Foundation for SPS awards $152K in grants to district

The Foundation for Springfield Public Schools has contributed more than $152,000 to provide additional classroom support for district educators.

Foundation Executive Director Natalie Murdock and Development Director Tina Pham earlier this week delivered 80 grants to sites across the district, totaling $152,330, according to a news release.

"The needs of our community are even more prevalent given the current circumstances," said Stephen Gintz, foundation board president, in the release.

“We are extremely grateful for everyone’s generosity during this time and would like to thank our individual donors, corporate partners, the SPS community and foundation staff for making these grants to improve the experiences and lives of students and teachers possible.”

The back-to-school grants are awarded to educators in the categories of innovation, engagement, collaboration and reading, according to the foundation's website.

Pham said funded projects this year include the addition of books, behavioral support items for classrooms and mental wellness materials.