North Syracuse Education Foundation awards more than $15,000 in teacher grants, outlines $500,000 endowment goal

Jackie Forte, president of the North Syracuse Education Foundation, told the Board of Education on May 13 that the foundation awarded just over $15,000 in classroom grants this year and is working toward a five‑year goal of a $500,000 endowment.

The grants will fund classroom materials ranging from music instruments and headphones to a reptile habitat and core‑word communication tools. Forte said the foundation currently holds about $250,000 in assets, some placed in an endowment at the CMY Community Foundation, and that reaching $500,000 would allow the foundation to support programs from interest rather than continuous fundraising.

Forte described the foundation as a 501(c)(3) whose “sole purpose is to support enriching education for students in pre‑K through 12th grade in the North Syracuse Central School District.” She said grants are blinded, reviewed by the superintendent’s cabinet for contractual or technology conflicts, and then scored by the foundation board. “This year, we were able to fund just over $15,000 worth of grants,” she said.

Grant examples announced at the meeting included: - “Tuff Trays” for Main Street Early Education, a grant described as nearly $3,300 to provide multi‑learning tray tables for an estimated 301 students. - A music grant for k‑4 to purchase seven contra bass bars, described as just over $3,500 and intended to serve about 500 students. - “Right to the Core,” a speech‑therapy grant for roughly $940 to purchase books and toys to promote functional communication. - Other awards: an “Imagination Station” for second‑grade ELA (about $800); a reptile habitat upgrade (an 85‑gallon tank, described as a little over $500) for a class pet; a multiplication/division materials grant (just over $300); classroom dramatic‑play sets and Shakespeare costuming for junior high English; two headphone grants for world‑language classes; and Books Without Borders, a French literature purchase for grades 10–12.

Forte said the foundation generally issues one consolidated check to the district to streamline purchasing; funds become available July 1 for the new fiscal year. She also invited board members and the public to the district talent show and offered free tickets through will call.

Board President Michael Murizio had earlier presented a proclamation honoring teaching assistants and teacher aides and asked for a motion to accept it; the board voted unanimously.

The foundation said it is midway through year two of its five‑year sustainability campaign and currently has about $250,000 in assets; the stated goal is $500,000 to produce perpetual interest income for grants. Forte noted one donor who contributes $5–$6 per month and urged broader alumni support.

“Students, parents, administrators and community members recognize, applaud and appreciate [teaching assistants’] efforts,” Murizio said in announcing Teaching Assistant Appreciation Day and Teacher Aid Appreciation Day for May 13 and May 20.

The foundation asked grant winners present to gather for a photo with a ceremonial check; Forte said the actual check will be delivered later in the week.

Board members and district staff who attended posed for photographs with the winners and the foundation’s representatives; the foundation will coordinate any follow‑up purchases through district staff when the fiscal year opens.