Kansas Senator Jerry Moran has announced that the fiscal year 2019 National Defense Authorization act includes language to stabilize the Department of Defense 2011 Public Schools on Military Installations Priority List. that allows DoD to continue to replace schools while completing a follow-up audit previously required by law.

“I am pleased to announce authorization has been secured for USD 475 to plan for and apply for grants to construct a new elementary school at Fort Riley,” said Sen. Moran. “It has always been my priority in Congress to make certain that we are not only supporting our service members, but that we are also supporting their children and families. A new elementary school at Fort Riley will prevent overcrowding and provide our service members’ children access to modern and high quality educational resources and facilities they deserve.

The newly-enacted NDAA language expands the number of infrastructure projects eligible to apply for a DoD Office of Economic Adjustment grant by five. The expansion includes the replacement of Jefferson Elementary School in USD 475 on Fort Riley. 

The fiscal year 2017 require DoD to conduct an additional audit of public schools on installation requirements. The results of the audit are expected to be released this year and will dictate the order of priority regarding the remaining projects on the Public Schools on Military Installations Priority List.

The OEA is awaiting confirmation of fiscal year 2019 NDAA funding guidance before soliciting a grant application from USD 475. If approved, the OEA will make an 80% matching grant available for the purpose of building a new grade school on Fort Riley at an estimated cost of $25 million. USD 475 reports that the district is holding $5 million in matching funds for this purpose. The school district also intends to propose closing two Fort Riley schools on the DoD priority list which would be replaced with one school capable of absorbing total enrollment of the two smaller schools.