While the COVID-19 pandemic has brought a large number of big challenges to school districts, the government's relief efforts have not overlooked schools and that aid has increased significantly over the three waves of relief packages.
The first relief package sent out of Washington D.C. netted the Mountain Home School District between $600,000-$700,000, according to District Superintendent Dr. Jake Long. The second relief package sent $2.9 million while the third is expected to bring $6.7 million to the district.
Long said the district appreciates the help as district personnel had to do much work to make environments as safe as possible for students and employees alike. Without federal aid, Long said the district would have had more difficulties meeting the guidelines to open in-person learning.