Arlington Education Foundation awards $20,242 in classroom mini grants; board accepts donation

Representatives from the Arlington Education Foundation announced winners of the foundation's 2025 classroom mini grants and the Arlington School District board voted to accept the gift.

"This is the foundation's fourteenth year awarding classroom mini grants," an AEF representative said, noting the group has provided "over $210,000 in grant awards" historically. The foundation said it received 46 applications this cycle and is awarding $20,242.45 to 33 teachers and grade teams across the district.

Grant awards listed include a $1,250 grant to Kim Anderson and Tim Gidla at Howard Middle School for a project titled "Strengthening Our Future: 1 Hawk at a Time," awards to multiple teachers at Eagle Creek Elementary, Haller Middle School, Presidents Elementary and Arlington High School, and dozens of smaller classroom grants ranging from about $98 to $1,250. The foundation described its scoring criteria as prioritizing standards-based academic goals, sustainable impact, equity and family involvement.

At the meeting President Mary Lebec asked for a motion to accept the donation. Director Diamond moved to accept the $20,242.45 donation and Director Kelly seconded. The clerk recorded affirmative votes from Directors Diamond, Kelly, President Lebec and Director Knapp; the board approved acceptance of the funds.

The money will be used to reimburse and support individual classroom projects as awarded. The foundation asked that recipients come forward to receive certificates and for a group photograph.

Next steps: the district will record the donation in its local non-tax fund accounts and proceed with disbursing the awards to the named teachers and teams.