Foundation issues $213K in grants to SPS

The Foundation for Springfield Public Schools yesterday presented $213,528 in back-to-school grants to the district.

Volunteers yesterday delivered 99 surprise grant checks to principals, teachers and librarians at 42 school campuses after they submitted funding requests for special projects involving student experience, modern learning environments, classroom initiatives and community engagement, according to a news release.

“This grant program is the heart and soul of the foundation,” said Natalie Murdock, executive director of the Foundation for SPS, in the release. “It provides resources that make an impact on thousands of students across our district.”

Pamela Anderson, director of development for the foundation, said 165 requests were submitted this year. She expects the grant total to rise as funding requests are still out to potential donors.

Last year, for example, the foundation presented more than $240,000 for approved projects, she said. The foundation’s back-to-school grants have funded millions of dollars in requests over more than a decade, she added.

Anderson said grants this year include a $3,650 award funded by Advanced Metal Fabricators Inc., which is slated to be used to implement a media department at Hickory Hills K-8 School and create a "Spartan News Network" for K-8 students. Funded by Bass Pro Shops, another award of $1,475 will go toward a Missouri habitat education series at Williams Elementary, including trips to Wonders of Wildlife National Museum & Aquarium, Anderson said.