St. Charles schools reap $41,000 in grant money

The Greater St. Charles Education Foundation on Friday announced more than $41,000 in grants for St. Charles Unit District 303.

The funds will be dispersed among 20 educational programs in amounts ranging from $500 for books to $6,000 for DNA testing equipment for science classes at St. Charles East and North high schools.

Teachers at Wredling Middle School and North High School were awarded more than $9,600 for interactive, high-tech classroom equipment.

Grant winners were selected following a "blind review" of proposals to ensure objectivity and fairness, according to the nonprofit foundation, whose sole mission is to support the district. Half of the programs will receive full funding, while others will receive investments toward their projects.

"We are always looking to fund innovative programs that later can be integrated into the curriculum," foundation co-President Bob Walters said in a news release. "We are anxious to see the results of these pilot programs."

In a statement, Superintendent Don Schlomann expressed gratitude for the foundation's "extraordinary generosity."

"We are proud of our partnership with this wonderful group of citizens and grateful for their ongoing efforts on our district's behalf," he said.

Founded in 1992, the private foundation has donated more than $920,000 to the school district. It raises money annually through community contributions, a popular jazz event and other fundraisers. The latest contribution, approved by the board of directors in May, was $41,528.

For more information, go to www.stceducation.com.