Edina Give and Go gala raises over $30K for student scholarships and opportunities

The Edina Public Schools Board held a regular meeting on May 5, 2025, focusing on community engagement, student support initiatives, and leadership planning for the upcoming school year. The meeting began with a presentation from Edina Give and Go, a local organization dedicated to providing scholarships and resources for students. They reported significant achievements, including over $1.6 million in scholarships awarded to nearly 3,000 students since their inception. The organization emphasized their commitment to equitable distribution of resources across all grade levels and various extracurricular activities.

The recent Gift Girl Gala was highlighted as a successful fundraising event, surpassing its goal of $30,000, with over 200 attendees and 59 virtual participants. The organization encouraged continued community involvement and support, particularly through volunteer opportunities and upcoming events like the annual gear swap.

Claire Damon, a sophomore and member of the Edina Give and Go student board, shared her experiences advocating for student needs and promoting literacy through initiatives like a used book sale. She emphasized the importance of ensuring all students have access to extracurricular activities, regardless of financial constraints.

Following the presentations, the board moved to discuss the leadership plan presented by interim superintendent Dr. Daniel Bittman. He outlined his vision for the next 15 months, focusing on collaboration, community engagement, and academic excellence. Dr. Bittman stressed the importance of establishing trust within the community and aligning initiatives with the district's mission and goals.

The board members expressed appreciation for the presentations and the critical work being done to support students in need. They also discussed the potential for expanding enrichment opportunities for younger students, particularly before kindergarten, and the importance of sustaining funding for these initiatives.

The meeting concluded with the approval of the consent agenda, and the board looks forward to ongoing discussions about enhancing educational opportunities and community involvement in Edina Public Schools.