USDA awards $1.2M in technology grants to Summersville, Winona school districts
Published 6:53 pm Friday, October 23, 2026
Two area school districts have been awarded federal Distance Learning and Telemedicine Grants totaling more than $1.2 million to modernize classroom technology and expand educational access across Texas and Shannon counties.
U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development Missouri State Director Ben Baker visited the Summersville and Winona school districts on Thursday to celebrate the grant presentations.
“The schools put in tremendous effort to obtain this grant, and we are extremely proud to partner with them,” Baker said. “By equipping our communities with modern digital tools, we are unlocking new opportunities in education and healthcare so our families can continue to thrive right here at home.”
The USDA’s Distance Learning and Telemedicine (DLT) Program is a nationwide initiative designed for rural areas with populations of 20,000 or fewer to overcome remoteness through advanced telecommunications equipment.
Through the program, Summersville School District received a $691,517 grant to acquire live, interactive video conferencing technology. The technology will expand enrichment, dual credit, workforce development, and career and technology course opportunities for students in the district, which includes portions of Texas and Shannon counties.
Winona School District was awarded $578,934 to deliver distance learning across three sites using laptops, mobile hotspots and video conferencing equipment.
Winona Superintendent Jana Williams emphasized the regional impact of the competitive grant, noting the district plans to partner with the Winona Public Library, Twin Pines Conservation Education Center and Missouri State University-West Plains.
“Our school has always been the heart of our community, and we believe education should extend beyond the walls of our classrooms,” Williams said. “Through this grant, we will be able to expand access to distance learning, connect our students and community members with new resources and create opportunities that might not otherwise be available in our rural area.”
Williams acknowledged the district’s administration, local Board of Education, Technology Director Sean Murphy, and grant writers for their collaboration in securing the award.
