Snohomish Education Foundation awards grants

The Snohomish Education Foundation awarded 84 classroom grants to Snohomish School District teachers and staff totaling $54,922 for 2021. Ninety-eight percent of the funding applications the foundation received were granted.

Awards were delivered by the foundation’s executive director, Ken Hammond, to all school principals in the Snohomish School District.

“Thank you so much for the generous grant for AIM High School! I just placed the order for new books for their first ever library! I am very excited for this grant, especially because it means the beginning of a new library for a school,” Jodie Caldwell, Cascade View and Park Way Campus librarian, said.

The 2021 grants will improve student learning in literacy, science, technology, special education and math. Since the program began in 1996, the Snohomish Education Foundation has funded over $954,000 to 1,814 teachers and staff in the Snohomish School District.

“Through the tremendous generosity of our donors and the great support of our community, the Snohomish Education Foundation was able to award a generous amount this year in classroom grants. The Foundation and our classroom grant program are proud to support more students in the Snohomish community than any other organization. We thank everyone who has contributed to the great success of the program,” said Steve Thomas, chairman of the SEF Classroom Grant Committee.

Everett School Board earns national recognition

The Everett School Board has been recognized as a leader in modern governance.

The Diligent Corporation announced honorees of the inaugural Modern Governance 100 Community Boards last week. The award honors community governance leaders committed to driving positive organizational change.

Comprised of 100 individuals and teams, the list recognizes leaders from the field of municipal and education governance. Those recognized by the Modern Governance 100 Community Boards program demonstrated exceptional work throughout the year, with a consistent focus on communication, collaboration, and community.

The Everett School Board includes a variety of backgrounds and opinions and works to support efficient, respectful and transparent board meetings. This past year, during the COVID pandemic and school closures, directors used BoardDocs to stay current with constantly changing and important issues and to inform their decision-making process in a quick and timely manner.

Directors also are involved in community engagement and regularly touch base with community members, parents, and families to gather a wide range of perspectives.

“Amidst all of the changes and hardships we’ve faced this year, the Modern Governance 100 Community Boards program reminds us that there is a very human side to governance. Every day, there are talented people working behind-the-scenes to drive real change for their organizations,” said Brian Stafford, CEO of Diligent.

Know someone who deserves recognition? Call 425-339-3432 or email newstips@heraldnet.com