By Rupert Howell

South Panola’s Foundation for Public Education is seeking new members for both their board and general membership while attempting to raise grant money to improve the academic education for the South Panola School District according to board member Sandra Darby.

Darby, who also serves on the school district’s board of trustees, notes that while the foundation and district work toward the same goals, the foundation fills in some gaps that the district can’t bridge.

Darby stated that over $100,000 in grants has been awarded to teachers since the foundation’s inception for a wide variety of projects including an outdoor science classroom, a middle school newspaper, a cooking school, literacy and language skills development, interactive musical skills, uniforms, music, program materials for a show choir, and much more.

The foundation’s mission is to improve student achievement by encouraging educational innovation and providing new and enhanced instructional opportunities not traditionally funded by the South Panola School District. Grants are awarded to teachers for these purposes.

The Foundation is a 501(c) (3) non-profit organization comprised of local business leaders, parents, teachers, and concerned citizens.  Every dollar raised goes directly to the classroom Darby noted stating, “There is no paid staff.”

Besides memberships and donations, Panolians can also contribute when purchasing a car tag by paying an additional fee for the foundation license plate.

Memberships begin at $25 with benefactor status ranging from $100 to $1,000 and above for Gold Benefactor status.

Checks for membership and donations should be sent to: FPE, P. O. Box 156, Batesville, MS   38606.