Funding leverages additional support for a $3 million total reconstruction project following tornado damage
USD 291
GRINNELL—Grinnell USD 291 is proud to announce it has been awarded a $500,000 grant from the Dane G. Hansen Foundation. By pairing this generous grant with matching funds from FEMA and the state of Kansas, the district will leverage this award into a $3,000,000 total reconstruction project dedicated to rebuilding the elementary school and its grounds.
This crucial funding comes in the wake of the devastating tornado on May 18, 2025, which damaged the middle school, destroyed the majority of the elementary school building, and severely damaged the district's surrounding grounds. Immediately following the storm, staff, local community members and volunteers from across northwest Kansas rallied together to assist with the initial cleanup and emergency response.
"Grinnell feels incredibly fortunate to receive a grant of this magnitude, which will serve the students and communities of both Grinnell and Grainfield well for generations to come," said Brian Beckman, USD 291 school board president. "This investment reinforces the strong cooperative agreement the two communities forged back in 2007, ensuring our shared dedication to local education remains resilient."
The $3 million comprehensive plan will allow for a complete rebuilding of the elementary school and surrounding grounds, restoring vital educational infrastructure to the community.
USD 291 extends its sincere gratitude to the Dane G. Hansen Foundation, state and federal partners, and the countless volunteers who stepped up in the disaster's aftermath. The district would also like to recognize Jesse Bauman and QMC Construction of Quinter, Kansas, as well as Adam Teeter of Teeter Oilfield Services, of Grinnell, for their invaluable guidance and support throughout this process from the very beginning.
How community members and patrons can multiply their support
To help complete additional school improvements and equipment upgrades, community members, alumni and local patrons are invited to donate to the reconstruction effort.
Thanks to available federal and state matching funds, every donor contribution will be multiplied seven times—turning, for example, a $100 donation into $700 in direct support for students. No donation is too small.
To make a contribution or learn more, please contact Elizabeth Rietcheck, Grinnell USD 291 Clerk of the Board, by phone at 785-824-3277 or by email at elizabethr@usd291.com.
Updates on construction timelines and groundbreaking details will be shared with the public as planning progresses.