Karen Thomas Fund presentation highlights teacher‑directed literacy grants in Ann Arbor schools

Andy Thomas, a former board trustee, presented the Karen Thomas Fund to the Ann Arbor Public Schools board on March 17, describing a teacher‑directed grant program administered by the Ann Arbor Area Community Foundation that targets preschool–5th grade literacy projects and emphasizes support for minorities and economically disadvantaged students.

Thomas said the fund has awarded more than $116,000 in grants, entirely from private donations and occasional corporate gifts, and highlighted program examples including 'mirrors, windows and sliding glass doors' to promote representation in school libraries and a multicultural literacy night funded at STEAM. He described the fund’s low overhead model that sends dollars directly to teachers and noted a history of stepping in after district budget constraints to provide classroom resources.

Two recipients described specific uses: Nicole Cooper, a Title I teacher at Hazely Elementary, said the grant will replenish books lost to a classroom flood and will serve Hazely’s roughly 412 students; Dana Gartland, Abbott librarian, said the grant purchased 72 informational books to support nonfiction reading and critical thinking for Abbott’s approximately 330 students.

Thomas asked trustees to publicize the fund and outlined donation pathways through the Ann Arbor Area Community Foundation website and by check. Trustees thanked Thomas and the teachers; Thomas said demand typically exceeds available funds by roughly three‑to‑one and acknowledged a need for more donations.

Next steps: trustees and staff were encouraged to share fund information with school communities and consider how the district can support ongoing literacy efforts.