A representative of the Parma City Schools Foundation told the board on May 21 that the foundation awarded 31 educator grants this year totaling $14,284.61.
Foundation volunteers described a blind review process: 52 applications were evaluated independently by a committee using a rubric with names redacted, resulting in 31 funded projects intended to be used within one year. Projects funded included classroom transformation work, STEM capstone tools, literacy and EL supports, sensory spaces and other classroom innovations.
The representative thanked community donors and volunteers and encouraged attendance at the foundation’s major fundraiser, the Taste of the Towns scheduled for September 24 at the Woodside Event Center. The foundation also summarized its fundraising history and noted more than $400,000 raised over time to support district programming.
Grant recipients were invited to come forward to receive awards and checks. The foundation representative noted a maximum grant award of $500 and reminded recipients that funds must be spent within one year.
Board members thanked the foundation and congratulated the awardees.