Thirteen public schools in the area are set to receive an extra $25,000 in funding this month. The money will come from the Grande Prairie Public School District Education Foundation. Executive Director Laura LaValley says the money is given to schools to pay for things that don’t fall under the regular school budget.
“This initiative is something that our Board of Directors gets very excited about. It’s our opportunity to put additional funds into these schools for programs and projects that can often enrich classrooms and give students some really interesting learning opportunities.”
This round of funding will go towards robotics learning kits, physical education equipment, specialized classroom furniture and technology as well as to the High School First Responders Program. The foundation will also give $4,500 to the district’s music departments for new instruments.
The foundation first started in 1991. It gets its money through fundraisers, donations and partnerships. Annually, the foundation gives around $29,500 to schools through its School Grant Program.