Huntingdon, McKenzie Schools to Share South Carroll’s USDA Technology Grant

Huntingdon and McKenzie schools will share part of the $975,823 Distance Learning and Telemedicine (DLT) grant awarded to the South Carroll Special School District last week. The DLT grant, presented by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), was awarded to participating Carroll County school districts through a nationally competitive process.

Huntingdon schools will receive up to $548,000, and McKenzie schools will receive up to $179,326 of the grant to enhance the learning environment for students and staff.

The grant requires a local match. Huntingdon SSD has committed to investing $71,514 to fulfill the match requirement, and McKenzie SSD will invest approximately $31,645 to fulfill the match requirement.

Because South Carroll County SSD applied for the grant, it will serve as the fiscal agent for the project.

This grant represents a coordinated partnership among the school districts in Carroll County, led by Dr. Lisa Norris of South Carroll.

“These funds will help us purchase much-needed technology to better equip our students for post-secondary training and future careers,” said Dr. Norris. “We were excited to collaborate with the other districts on this joint project and are grateful for the opportunity to strengthen learning environments across our community.”

Huntingdon SSD will designate its grant funds toward purchasing large-screen interactive displays and computers.

Huntingdon SSD Technology Supervisor Scott Carter said, “It is vital we continue to invest in technology that will promote student engagement in the classroom.”

Huntingdon Director of Schools Dr. Jonathan Kee said, “We are thankful to receive this grant to support our technology needs. We appreciate South Carroll Special School District for submitting the grant application in collaboration with the other participating districts.”

McKenzie SSD will designate its grant and matching funds toward purchasing large-screen interactive displays, tele-health and tele-counseling systems, and media-center equipment for large spaces and conference rooms.

“As we continue to invest in technology that will promote student engagement in the classroom, enhance staff access to advanced resources, and outfit our schools with large-space equipment, we are thankful for the support of the USDA through the DLT grant,” said Dr. Dianne Anderson, technology supervisor at McKenzie SSD.

McKenzie Director of Schools Dr. Justin Barden said, “We are thankful to receive this grant to support our system and make continued technology upgrades for our schools. We appreciate South Carroll Special School District for submitting the grant application in collaboration with the other participating Carroll County school districts.”

The DLT grant program aims to increase access to education, training and healthcare resources in rural areas by leveraging advanced telecommunications technologies. This investment will support both classroom instruction and telemedicine capabilities, helping to bridge gaps in access and prepare students for success beyond graduation.