Lawmakers and DEED explore partnerships, leasing or summer programs to support Mount Edgecumbe
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Summary
Senators and school leaders discussed whether tribal corporations, nonprofits or private partners could manage or help fund Mount Edgecumbe facilities and whether summer camps or leasing could generate revenue; DEED said state ownership complicates any sale but partnerships and summer programming appear feasible.
Juneau — Committee members probed whether Mount Edgecumbe’s facilities could be maintained through partnerships, outside ownership or revenue-generating summer programs.
Senator Bjorkman asked whether corporations, nonprofits or consortiums could provide building-management services, own the buildings and lease them back to the state. Commissioner Dina Bishop responded that the property is state-owned and any transfer or long-term lease would be complicated but not impossible, and that building partnerships and tribal relationships already exist.
Superintendent David Langford outlined a revenue idea that would use the campus during a long summer to host camps — from competitive swimming to wrestling or academic programs — to generate income for student activities and maintenance. "If we could get the ability to do that, I really believe we could actually fund all of our student activities through the summer camp operation," Langford said.
Senators cautioned that Mount Edgecumbe is receiving special attention while many other aging schools across Alaska face closures and maintenance shortfalls; they urged DEED to consider equity across the system if pursuing unique stewardship or lease models. DEED leaders said they will continue to explore partnership options and would bring fiscal and operational details back to the legislature.