$150,000 in private donations have been raised to support the district
CHARLEVOIX, MI -- This is a story of true charity. A local school district has found a saving grace in a time of financial difficulty.
The community has stepped up to help the school avoid more cuts and protect student educations.
Charlevoix is like every other district and has struggled with its budget. State funding cuts have impacted programs like band.
"We need so many instruments, they're getting very old," said Jayne Bennett, Charlevoix’s Band Director.
The state dropped its per pupil funding this year by some $275.
“We decided we would be proactive verses reactive and try to address some of our needs we can't do through our general fund budget," said Charlevoix Superintendent Chet Janik.
So the district went to the community, kicking off the "Investing in the Future of Our Students" campaign this summer to raise $250,000 in the next three years.
“This is one way to meet those academic needs we can't fund through our budget," explained Janik.
And want to talk success? Four private donors have given $30,000 a piece in matching funds, and all together, the district has raised $150,000 in pledges. More than $22,000 were just granted to teachers who applied for needed funding. $3,000 went to the band.
“This is probably the biggest one I’ve ever seen where private people have put together money to support different programs within the school," said Bennett.
Money to help replace the deteriorating equipment. The library also received three grand for new books.
"We’re ever so grateful, and I’m sure the students will be too," said Margaret Culver, the Charlevoix librarian.
And the rest of the money was given to other teachers who needed an extra boost.
“It certainly sends a powerful message that we're trying to be creative and we're looking for unique revenue sources, and this is one of them," said Janik.
Janik says he hopes another $20,000 grant will be given to areas that need money this spring.
He says it has been a true community effort.
To learn more about the Charlevoix School Foundation, or if you'd like to contribute, you can call Chet Janik at (231)547-8101, or visit the Charlevoix Schools Website, www.rayder.net.
