June 8th, 2026 Local News
Perryville, Mo. (KFMO) - Perry County School District 32 has received a significant federal determination that could shape the future of Perryville High School’s tornado recovery plan.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency has notified the district and the Missouri State Emergency Management Agency that the damaged Perryville High School building qualifies for “replacement” under FEMA’s Public Assistance Grant program.
The decision is based on FEMA’s “50 percent rule,” which states that if the estimated cost to repair a damaged structure exceeds 50 percent of the cost to replace it, the project may be funded as a full replacement instead of a repair. In this case, FEMA determined the threshold has been met.
That designation is expected to significantly increase the amount of federal reimbursement available to the district as it plans construction of a new permanent high school facility.
“This is the good news we have been waiting for,” said Dr. Fara Jones, Superintendent of Perry County School District 32.
“This designation will allow us to receive a larger overall reimbursement from FEMA that we can invest in building a new permanent home for PHS.”
FEMA has indicated it is still developing an estimate of eligible project costs, but has not provided a timeline for when those figures will be finalized. The district says it will release details once they are received.
Under the federal program, reimbursement funds are not distributed in a lump sum. Instead, the district will be reimbursed gradually as construction expenses are incurred and properly documented.
The FEMA determination plays a key role in the district’s broader tornado recovery strategy. The Board of Education recently approved a revised Proposition K.I.D.S. ballot measure, which will appear before voters during the August 4 Primary Election.
Prop K.I.D.S. would increase the operating tax levy by $0.2215 per $100 of assessed valuation, generating an estimated $35 million toward construction of a new high school.
The district has set a total project budget of $60 million. In addition to the proposed tax increase, funding is expected to come from insurance proceeds, district funds, and FEMA reimbursements.
Architects are currently refining designs for a roughly 140,000-square-foot facility that would include 34 classrooms, a gymnasium, a library, and a multipurpose center.
“The Board has been working diligently with our construction and finance partners on a new plan after our April ballot issue fell short,” Dr. Jones added. “This updated Prop K.I.D.S. proposal significantly reduces the ask from taxpayers while still ensuring we can build a quality high school that will serve Perry County families for years to come.”