Emily Schwing

In most states, public schools are owned locally.

But in Alaska, the Education Department owns nearly half of more than 120 rural school buildings that are falling apart.

That means the department is responsible for everything from leaking sewer lines to faulty foundations.

Since 2003, Alaska has required local districts to accept ownership of buildings if they do come by state funds to fix problems.

Attorney Howard Trickey represents some rural school districts.

There's never been a court case that's tested the state's liability, but rural superintendents say it's not a matter of if, but when.

For NPR News, I'm Emily Schwing in Anchorage.