Federal Grant Award Summary

The Office of Elementary and Secondary Education (OESE) awarded White River School District 47-1 a Project Grant of $2.1 million under the Impact Aid Program (CFDA 84.041) effective October 1, 2025, with a completion date of September 30, 2031. This award supports comprehensive K-12 educational services for a rural school district serving approximately 430 students in White River, South Dakota, where 94% of the student population identifies as Native American, primarily members of the Rosebud Sioux Tribe. The Impact Aid Program provides financial assistance to local educational agencies adversely affected by federal activities, including the presence of Indian lands that reduce local tax bases.

Under this award, the school district will deliver general instruction, special education, English language learning, school nutrition programs, career and technical education, teacher training, and technology integration services. These services address the district's significant economic challenges, including a negative per-pupil spending gap exceeding $4,000 and 100% free and reduced lunch eligibility. The funding enables White River School District 47-1 to maintain educational quality and enhance programs specifically for federally connected and Native American students residing on Indian lands while addressing critical infrastructure and educational resource needs across its four schools in Mellette County.