Oak Harbor Public Schools (OHPS) is set to receive approximately $38 million through the Department of Defense’s Community Noise Mitigation Grant, administered by the Office of Local Defense Community Cooperation (OLDCC). With this award, OHPS has secured approximately $208 million in grant funding over the past three years to support critical capital projects across the district.

On Monday, September 29, 2025, the Oak Harbor School Board of Directors approved acceptance of the grant funding, which will be used to install noise insulation at Olympic View Elementary, Hillcrest Elementary School, and Oak Harbor Elementary School. Last school year, North Whidbey Middle School received similar funding through the same program. These schools were identified based on noise levels from their proximity to Naval Air Station Whidbey Island (NASWI).

“This grant gives us an important boost by reducing noise disruptions so students and teachers can focus on learning,” said Superintendent Dr. Michelle Kuss-Cybula. “We are grateful for the continued support of Naval Air Station Whidbey Island and the Department of Defense. At the same time, these grants do not fix the larger issue, our schools are aging and in need of major repairs and replacement. These challenges can only be addressed through long-term investment from the community. We are currently evaluating the best options to meet these needs and plan to share opportunities for community input in the near future.”

This grant builds on the district’s commitment to pursuing external funding for essential facility improvements. In addition to the noise mitigation awards, OHPS leadership has also secured more than $164 million in state and federal funding to rebuild Crescent Harbor Elementary School and the Hand-in-Hand Early Learning Center/HomeConnection (formerly Clover Valley Elementary). More details about these projects are available on the district’s website.