$426K MHSD Grant Application Moves Forward

MOUNTAIN HOME, Idaho, (Aug. 17, 2020) – The Mountain Home School District made the short list of organizations invited to advance to the next round of the Defense Community Infrastructure Program (DCIP). The Department of Defense Office of Economic Adjustment has identified 16 project proposals out of more than 100 initial applications submitted under the category related to military quality of life. The DCIP is a new pilot program, authorizing the DOD to provide grants for infrastructure projects that support military installations. Congress appropriated $50 million for DCIP in the current fiscal year – the first year it has been funded.

Mountain Home Military Liaison Marty Anderson authored the proposal in partnership with MHSD leadership as part of the City’s continual focus on reinforcing its relationship with Mountain Home Air Force Base and enhancing quality of life for its residents.

Mountain Home School District teaches 3,800 students, 32 percent of whom are members of military families assigned to Mountain Home Air Force Base. Mountain Home schools were built in the mid-50s and are deteriorating, causing the school district to spend money on other priority repairs (roofing, HVAC systems, plumbing, and electrical). Due to aging infrastructure, the school district has not been able to keep up with other facility maintenance needs.

“This is a great opportunity for the Mountain Home School District,” said Anderson. “This program illustrates the commitment DOD has towards improving the quality of life for military personnel and their families and to communities supporting military installations.  We identified an opportunity to improve the quality of our educational environment, not only for students at Stephensen Elementary School on base, but across the district.

Quality of education, housing, water, and license reciprocity are all priority issues when it comes to enhancing the long-term welfare and morale of service members and families stationed here, according to Anderson. Research has shown school environments can either positively or negatively impact children’s motivation to learn and desire to attend class.

“We are taking active steps to address these topics to ensure continued satisfaction with the services and amenities the Mountain Home community offers,” said Anderson.  “Quality of education and the educational environment is a common concern for both of our communities, and we’re excited about the opportunity to help facilitate improvements that address those concerns for all stakeholders.”

 If approved, the grant will net more than $426,500 for district-wide infrastructure improvements, including new carpet in 43 classrooms, new tile in 11 rooms and new paint in five district schools.

Funding for the organizing and planning of necessary public services and infrastructure is derived from the Office of Economic Adjustment regular program lines of assistance, while investments in the construction of public facilities is through authorization and appropriations with specific authority for construction of the improvements.

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