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Next Education Foundation reports $70K, unveils 'Charge Up' snack program and teacher supports
Summary
The Next Education Foundation told the board its founders campaign raised just over $70,000 and described grants and programs—Charge Up snack program at two elementaries, updated reading assessments, Beast Academy math licenses and up to $25,000 in teacher grants.
Amber Toole, representing the Next Education Foundation, updated the board on the group's first-year progress and program plans.
Toole said the foundation’s founders campaign concluded with "just over $70,000 in donations," and that grants from Meijer, Parkview Health and the Indiana Association of Public Education Foundations will extend the foundation’s work. "Connect community generosity with opportunities that help our students, teachers, and schools thrive," she said.
Toole described several initiatives already funded or planned: Charge Up, a snack program launching this fall at Huntertown and Arcola elementaries to ensure students who are hungry have access to a nutritious snack; purchase of updated developmental reading assessment (DRA) kits for kindergarten through second grade (and for new or at-risk third graders) to support reading intervention; additional Beast Academy math licenses to expand opportunities for high-achieving students; and two teacher-grant programs (Elevate and Knight grants) with up to $25,000 committed for classroom projects and professional learning.
The foundation will provide a small onboarding gift to each new teacher joining the district this fall, including a shirt and a $50 classroom supply gift, Toole said. She noted the foundation is volunteer-led and that donated dollars go directly to supporting students, educators and schools.
Board members thanked Toole and noted the foundation’s role in supporting district priorities. The foundation said application windows for grants will remain open through Aug. 31 and promised to return to report on program impacts.
What’s next: the board received the update; no board action was required. The foundation will continue fundraising and program rollouts this school year.
