The District 200 Education Foundation awarded nearly $24,000 in grants for educational proposals submitted by District 200 staff that will have a direct positive impact on students.

“It’s a privilege for us to help support the amazing District 200 staff and supplement our students’ education with some extras that wouldn’t be possible without our donors and supporters,” said Jaci Krandel, co-chairperson for the District 200 Education Foundation.

Krandel presented the grants at an awards ceremony on Thursday (Oct. 20) at Woodstock North High School. Two teachers who received grants the previous school year also discussed the impact the funding for the experiences had on their students.More than $600,000 has been awarded since the Foundation began in 1993.

Superintendent Mike Moan said he and the district’s teaching staff are grateful for the Education Foundation’s efforts throughout the year. “We so appreciate the hard work of the Foundation members who help provide our students with unique educational experiences that wouldn’t be possible without their efforts,” Moan said.

A total of 38 projects were funded by the Education Foundation this school year including:

• $1,929 submitted by Emily Gay and Eric Schleutermann for Creekside Middle School 8th grade students to visit the Illinois Holocaust Museum & Education Center.

• $540 submitted by Kathy Lacey-Anderson and Jessica Backus to expand Westwood Elementary School’s educational vegetable garden.

• $476 submitted by Natia Hong and Alyssa Niemic for therapeutic horseback riding for students with disabilities.

• $1,600 submitted by Jesse Justice for a Week Around the World Cultural Immersion program for students at Verda Dierzen Early Learning Center.

• $325 submitted by Julie Zay for an author’s visit at Greenwood Elementary School.

The Foundation Board of Trustees, which meets monthly,  is made up of community members including former parents and retired educators. Current board members include: Krandel, Co-Chair Jennifer Thomas, Kurt Bogott, Mark Heckmon, Larry Baier, Gigi Carlson, Diana Frisbie, Linda Gabrielson, John Schuette, and Robert Teuber.

Its annual Groundhog Day fundraising event will again be held virtually next year the week of Jan. 30 through Feb.4, 2023. Money raised at the Groundhog Day event is used to fund Impact Grants the following school year. 

An online auction for sporting event tickets, golf club memberships, specialty baskets and many other items will be held. There will also be $100 reverse raffle tickets, other virtual giving options along with sponsorship opportunities. Visit www.d200edfoundation.org for more information.

                  Please click here to view the list of 2022-23 grant recipients