Tuesday, October 7, 2008
As Harkin Grants Celebrate 10th Anniversary, Senator Tours East High School In Des Moines
Harkin presented the Des Moines School Board with a Congressional Statement honoring their work
Senator Tom Harkin (D-IA) today kicked off his tour of schools that are recipients of Harkin Grants at East High School in Des Moines. The Des Moines School Board was also presented with a copy of the Congressional Record that Harkin submitted honoring their accomplishments. Since 1998, Harkin has secured a total of $121 million for the state government in Iowa, which selects worthy school districts to receive these grants for a range of renovation and repair efforts – everything from updating fire-safety systems to building new schools or renovating existing facilities.
Harkin was able to secure $1 million for an addition to East High School. East High alumni and other private donors were able to raise the required matching funds to cover the total cost of $3 million addition.
“East High School is the perfect example of what a School Grant is meant to do,” said Harkin. “By providing a modest infusion of dollars, the East High community has come together to build a great addition, which makes students, parents and teachers proud of their school.”
The average age of school buildings in the United States is nearly 50 years. Too often, children visit ultra-modern shopping malls and gleaming sports arenas on weekends, but during the week go to school in rundown or antiquated facilities. Senator Harkin feels that this sends the wrong message to young people about our country’s priorities.
Over the last decade, 304 of Iowa’s 362 school districts have received Harkin Grants. Because of the local match requirements, districts have been very successful in leveraging their Harkin Grants to pass more generous school budgets and to raise private funds, so these grants often have a major multiplier effect in a local school district.
