Rockport highlights Project Lead the Way, ST Math grants and an anonymous STEM donor; earmark supports roof design

School leaders reviewed grant and private-donation revenue that will help fund programming in FY27. Staff differentiated entitlement federal grants (which vary by formula) from competitive grants the district applies for and expects to spend over multi-year cycles. The presentation identified Project Lead the Way high-school expansion, a three-year ST Math award that covers most fees and professional development, and a legislative earmark for roof design that requires at least $100,000 in design and replacement spending.

Staff also described an "anonymous donor" who has pledged a multi-year gift to support STEM and AI initiatives at both school levels. "This is the, anonymous donor who we've spoken about before who is supporting STEM initiatives and AI initiatives at both building levels," a staff member said, adding the donor signed an intent to give over a period of years and has offered flexibility about programmatic uses within an agreed-upon umbrella. The superintendent credited Sen. Tarr with advancing the earmark for the middle-high school roof.

Committee members asked for more detailed breakout on grant timelines, conditions and how donations would be accounted for in the budget book; staff said those specifics will appear in the final budget documents.