A former board member of a local school district is helping teachers through a generous donation.
Randy Hart and his family contributed $25,000 to the Seneca Valley School District Foundation to fund teacher-inspired projects through Hart Mini-Grants.
Grants of up to $1,000 per teacher can be used for classroom enhancements, projects and experiences that focus on outdoor enrichment, physical activity and activities to bring joy to students.
“I am a retired teacher of 38 years’ experience at a neighboring district where I had endless support and finances to go way beyond normal classroom activities,” Hart said in a statement. “As an educator I was provided with resources and support from the community, and I wanted to provide similar opportunities to our SV community. This $25,000 grant is only 1/4 of the $100,000 financial grants we are placing in our local area to benefit our whole community.”
Dozens of teachers have already applied for the grant program. Some of the proposed classroom enhancements include funding for recreational equipment, science exhibits, culinary supplies, lab equipment, items intended for pretend play, novels, community garden projects and more. Projects that are awarded funding will be implemented in the 2023-24 school year.
The grants are made in memory of 1998 Seneca Valley graduate Jackie Hart Morris who passed away in 2012 after a battle with cancer. Projects receiving funding will be implemented beginning this fall.
