Reagan Middle School nominated for Kale Ripken/Exelon STEM equipment grant worth roughly $85,000

District staff told the board March 18 that Reagan Middle School was selected by Exelon as a candidate to receive a Kale Ripken Foundation STEM equipment grant and that the package could include Makey Makey kits, advanced Sphero robots, drones, 3D printers, tablets, STEM workstations and several days of professional development and on‑site setup.

Administrators said the gift is administered through the foundation and that the district was nominated rather than applying through an open request process; Exelon was the corporate partner that coordinated the nomination in the region. The administration estimated the retail value of the package at about $85,000 and noted the gift would require periodic reporting of student usage metrics for up to two years and modest signage acknowledging Exelon and the Kale Ripken Foundation.

Administrators characterized the opportunity as time‑sensitive but manageable: the equipment is warehoused regionally and could be shipped and set up quickly if the district agrees. Staff training and follow‑up support would be part of the donation. Administrators said they had identified staff who are eager to use the equipment for clubs and in class and supported accepting the in‑kind donation.

What happens next: Administration will coordinate acceptance logistics with the foundation and Exelon, arrange for on‑site setup and training, and plan a public acknowledgement event if the district accepts the donation.