Breaking Barriers to Build Better Schools
When rural and under-resourced school districts face aging facilities, limited funding, and complex state processes, finding a path forward can feel impossible. But with the right partner, progress is within reach. At MGT, we help districts like Mountain Empire Unified overcome these barriers—securing critical state funding, navigating hardship programs, and developing strategic plans for long-term facility improvements. This story is just one example of how our team helps turn urgent needs into real solutions. Read on to learn how MGT supported Mountain Empire in achieving a historic facilities win—and how we can do the same for your district.
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Mountain Empire Unified School District Secures $4.6M in State Facilities Funding with MGT’s Strategic Support
San Diego County, CA — April 7, 2025 — After years of battling aging infrastructure and limited local funding options, Mountain Empire Unified School District (MEUSD) has secured $4.6 million in design funding from the California State Allocation Board to begin rebuilding its high school campus—thanks in large part to the dedicated partnership and strategic support of MGT.
Spanning 660 square miles of rural, mountainous terrain, MEUSD is geographically the largest school district by area in San Diego County, serving approximately 1,800 students—many of whom come from low-income families and speak English as a second language. Years of water pump failures, contaminated water, pipe bursts, and unreliable heating systems have significantly impacted student safety and learning environments.
Now, with a 9-1 vote by the State Allocation Board, the district has been awarded critical funding for architectural and engineering services for a new high school campus, as well as preliminary engineering reports for additional school facilities. This approval follows nearly three years of intensive effort, led by Superintendent Dr. Pat Keeley and supported by MGT, who played a key role in preparing MEUSD’s appeal and navigating the complex state facilities process.
“This was a lengthy and challenging process,” said Dr. Keeley. “We couldn’t have done it without the strategic guidance and partnership of MGT. Their team helped us structure a compelling appeal and connected us with the right people to make our case.”
Mountain Empire is now one of only 13 districts in nearly three decades to overturn an initial denial and receive funding under California’s financial hardship program—an uncommon and highly competitive path for school facilities funding.
As a trusted advisor, MGT helped MEUSD build its case under the “Other Evidence” clause, organized necessary documentation, and coordinated outreach to both state and local officials. Their continued support will be critical as MEUSD enters the next phases: engaging design professionals, submitting plans to the Division of the State Architect, and pursuing additional construction funding through a future General Obligation (GO) Bond or another appeal.
Despite this win, the district estimates it will take at least $187 million to address facility needs. Previous bond measures have failed to pass, and even if successful, the district’s limited assessed property value restricts local fundraising capacity.
MEUSD’s challenges reflect broader difficulties faced by rural and small districts across California—where technical expertise, local funding, and staffing often fall short in the face of massive infrastructure demands. MGT’s involvement has provided critical capacity and strategic leadership to help overcome these systemic barriers.
“This funding is just the beginning,” said Dr. Keeley. “We still have a long road ahead and we are excited to continue partnering with MGT, we’re confident we can deliver safe, modern, and equitable learning spaces for our students.”
MEUSD is targeting November 2026 for its next GO Bond measure. In the meantime, MGT will continue to support the district in securing every possible opportunity to meet its urgent facility’s needs.