A Five-Year Grant Promise Cut Short: What’s Happening to Idaho’s Community Schools Artwork

The Purple Zone

Hosted by Alexis Morgan, The Purple Zone explores how governance, public institutions, community, and history shape the places we call home.

Through conversations, storytelling, and policy analysis, the podcast connects local experiences to larger civic and political currents--from education, healthcare, and governance to culture, identity, and institutional change.

Rooted in Idaho but reaching far beyond it, The Purple Zone is less about hot takes and more about understanding how communities evolve, how decisions shape everyday life, and what it means to participate in civic life together.

Alexis Morgan is a PhD candidate in public policy and administration, longtime community participant, advocate, and civic storyteller.

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The Purple Zone

A Five-Year Grant Promise Cut Short: What’s Happening to Idaho’s Community Schools

December 17, 2025 • Alexis Morgan • Episode 55

0:00 | 19:38

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Last Friday, Idaho school and community leaders were notified that a major federal education grant already awarded and already supporting students is being cut short.

The Full-Service Community Schools (FSCS) State Scaling Grant, awarded to Idaho through the United Way of Treasure Valley, was designed as a five-year investment supporting 47 rural & title one public schools. That funding is now scheduled to end three 1/2 years early, putting more than $30 million in support and nearly 60 full-time positions at risk.

In this episode of The Purple Zone, Alexis breaks down:

What the Full-Service Community Schools grant is and what it is not
Why the community school strategy is an adaptable, locally led approach that works especially well in Idaho
What’s actually behind the federal decision to discontinue the grant early
What Idaho schools, districts, and partners are doing right now to appeal the decision
And how parents, educators, and community members can help

This conversation isn’t about partisan politics, it’s about Idaho kids, Idaho schools, and Idaho communities, and whether schools can finish work that is already underway.

👉 Take Action

📄 Send/email an appeal letter: LINK TO LETTER
📊 Read the Idaho Community Schools Fact Sheet: LINK TO FACT SHEET

Policy matters, but people matter more. And right now, Idaho needs voices.

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