WISD Education Foundation Announces 2017 Grant Awards

Since its creation in 2000, the Weatherford ISD Education Foundation has been making teachers’ dreams come true by funding grants to WISD teachers who submit proposals for innovative classroom projects.

On Wednesday, the Education Foundation Board of Directors were on hand to announce the 2017 grant awards at Weatherford ISD’s Staff Recognition Assembly. A total of 16 grants were funded to 68 teachers representing $60,973.

For the first time, and in partnership with Weatherford ISD, the Education Foundation announced an additional $100,000 grant to help fund a district-wide project to update campus libraries by adding collaboration stations, alternative seating, and movable bookshelves.

Van Houser, president of the Education Foundation Board of Directors, said, “There’s just nothing better than seeing the excitement on a teacher’s face when we announce they’ve received a grant. Seeing the smiles and hearing the cheers of support makes it all worthwhile.
With our community’s support, the WISD Education Foundation has been able to return over $1.16 million directly to the classroom through their grant awards”.

Alan Roemer, a teacher at Weatherford High School, has received several grants over the year. On Wednesday, he learned his grant for desks with dry erase surfaces was funded. “In math class, it’s really critical for me to see all the steps a student takes to arrive at an answer. Dry erase desks are a perfect way for students to show their work and for me to know they are mastering the concepts taught. The Education Foundation is the best way to get additional resources for my classroom.”

The primary activity of the Weatherford ISD Education Foundation is to fund creative and innovative learning programs not typically covered in the normal school budget. Each semester, teachers are invited to apply for funding to implement these programs. To date, over $1,600,000 has been given to support these programs across all campuses in our district. Other Foundation programs include the School Supply Closet that provides brand new supplies to students in need and Teacher Scholarships.

Published May 30, 2017 Print