Simpson Secures $6.4M for New School at Mountain Home AFB

BOISE, Idaho (CBS2) — A long-planned upgrade to education infrastructure at Mountain Home Air Force Base is moving forward after Idaho Congressman Mike Simpson secured more than $6.4 million in federal funding for the construction of a new elementary school on the installation.

The $6,409,000 allocation was included in H.R. 7148, the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2026, and approved through the federal Community Project Funding (CPF) process at Simpson’s request. The funding will support the replacement of the aging Stephensen Elementary School, which serves children of active-duty service members stationed at the base.

Federal Funding Secured Through Community Project Funding

“The construction of a new elementary school at Mountain Home Air Force Base is crucial to meet the growing needs of our active duty servicemembers and their families,” Simpson said. “A modern, well-equipped facility will provide a supportive learning environment for over 300 Stephensen Elementary School students. By supporting our military children, their families, and the broader Mountain Home community, this project underscores our commitment and promise to those who serve. The strength of the United States military is built on the foundation of strong, supported families at home. I am proud to champion this effort and support the necessary funding to make this vision a reality.”

According to Mountain Home School District officials, the current elementary school located on the base has been flagged for replacement by the Department of Defense due to structural deficiencies and outdated facilities. The new building is expected to be larger and will accommodate students from kindergarten through sixth grade, addressing both safety concerns and long-term capacity needs.

New School Aims to Support Military Families and Growing Enrollment

James Gilbert, superintendent of Mountain Home School District, credited Simpson’s efforts with making the project possible.

“I am so thankful to Congressman Simpson for his efforts to secure funding for the Mountain Home School District to help us build a new elementary school at Mountain Home Air Force Base,” Gilbert said. “This school will provide a tremendous educational opportunity for the students who live at Mountain Home Air Force Base. Without Congressman Simpson’s support to secure funding, this project would not be possible. I would like to thank Congressman Simpson and his excellent staff for making this project come to fruition.”

The project is expected to benefit not only military families but also the broader Mountain Home community by strengthening educational services tied to the base, one of the region’s largest employers. Construction timelines have not yet been finalized, but district officials say planning efforts will move forward now that funding has been secured.

Originally reported by CBS2 News Staff in Idaho News.