Having strong community support is crucial to the success of any school district. For VBSD students and staff, one key partner is the Van Buren Education Foundation. Established in 2001, the organization was created to provide funding for programs that fall outside the budgetary means of the district. Twice annually, educators submit grant proposals for special projects, field trips, and extraordinary programs that break the mold of traditional classroom experiences. Applications are reviewed, and grants are awarded based on originality, need, number of kids impacted, and other factors.

VBSD teachers look forward to seeing the famous “Pointer Patrol” Bus that makes the rounds to different schools, surprising teachers with big checks in the amount of their grant proposals. “We love award days because our board gets to travel around the district handing out checks to fund these innovative grants and creative projects our teachers have crafted,” said Executive Director Debbie Thomas. Proposals span all subject areas and grade levels. Notable grants have included funding for gardens at elementary campuses, CAMP PointerBot for summer robotics, Van Buren High School’s PointerPalooza, and the district’s popular Fourth Grade Camp.

Since its inception, more than 700 grants have been awarded totaling a more than $976,000 investment back into the classroom. This spring, the Foundation will reach the million-dollar milestone. “This is a big year for the Foundation, as we will top the $1 million mark,” said Thomas. “We are planning an exciting celebration in honor of this achievement, which was made possible by our generous community.”

In addition to grants, the Foundation also presents the “Top 40” Banquet honoring Van Buren High School’s top graduates in the spring. This event honors the highest ranking seniors and gives students the opportunity to pay tribute to an educator that positively impacted them. “The Top 40 Banquet is special, because it not only recognizes our hard working students for all their efforts, but it gives them the chance to say thank you to a teacher who made a difference in their lives along the way. It is a true testament to the influence that educators have on their students.”

Thomas credits the Foundation’s involvement with the Van Buren Chamber of Commerce as an integral part of the organization’s overall success. “Networking is a tool I use to raise fund and help the Foundation grow. The Chamber is crucial to that work. It presents me with the people and businesses that take action and understand what it means to invest in and serve this community. Our Chamber membership is a valuable tool and I am grateful for the support they provide to our organization.”

For more information about the Van Buren Education Foundation, visit www.VBSD.us or follow it on Facebook, @VBSDEducationFoundation.