MHSD to Receive $426K Grant for Facility Improvements

MOUNTAIN HOME, Idaho, (Sept. 23, 2020) – The Department of Defense Office of Economic Adjustment announced yesterday the recipients of 16 grants totaling approximately $50 million under the Defense Community Infrastructure Program. Mountain Home School District will receive more than $426,000 of that money for facility improvements.

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. The organization received more than 100 initial applications under the category related to military quality of life.

The money will be used for district-wide classroom and facility improvements, including new carpet in 43 classrooms, new tile in 11 rooms and new paint in five district schools, according to Mountain Home Military Liaison Marty Anderson. 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.

Quality of education, housing, water, and license reciprocity are all priority issues when it comes to enhancing the long-term welfare and morale of servicemembers 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.

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.