Yes, the school year has flown by. As our Board of Directors reflected on the impact made on the Gardner Edgerton School District, it pales compared to what you have accomplished during the 2022-23 school year. The influence you made on students, in and out of the classroom, lasts forever. Thank you for your dedication in making school a safe and positive environment. As your read our spring newsletter highlighting news from the Foundation, always remember how much we appreciate YOU!

The Foundation is happy to announce that new educators to the profession will receive a $500 stipend in August. It is expensive to begin your career as a teacher. Our goal is to help ease the financial burden. We want to help these young teachers and support the school district in their hiring process. Human Resources Director, Dr. Jody Marshall, shared the districts insight and gratitude:

USD 231 is an amazing place for new teachers to work and grow - so we have always attracted the best and the brightest. But operating in an ultra competitive Johnson County and trying to hire in the face of a nationwide teacher shortage - we need all the help we can get. The Gardner Edgerton Schools Foundation's willingness to provide all new educators with a $500 dollar debit card - has given us a clear competitive advantage over our neighboring school districts and has garnered applicants' attention. It has made a difference when we make the job offer - it has helped us seal the deal - it also helps new educators feel valued. More importantly, it is a powerful and tangible tool to help teachers get off to a good start, and truly increases the likelihood they will succeed in year one. Thank you GESF - a bright and generous idea which is having a real impact.

To state the obvious - our classified staff are incredible people. Day in a day out they support students and staff with an attitude of unselfishness and service. The Foundation honored approximately 170 paras, secretaries, kitchen staff, custodians, and maintenance personnel at KC Wine Co on April 13. Stormy Meyer of Keller Williams Realty was a business partner for the event. Staff members enjoyed refreshing beverages, winning prizes, playing games, snacking on a massive charcuterie board, and enjoying the company of their friendly colleagues.

The Foundation teamed with the Gardner Chamber of Commerce in hosting a successful golf tournament on April 28 at the Gardner Golf Course. Eighty players enjoyed a beautiful day of birdies and eagles (not the ones with wings). The presenting sponsor was Central Bank of the Midwest along with a multitude of other supporters.

• $500 was given to Project Grad to support their efforts.
• $1,500 was given to the GEHS band boosters to support the purchase of an instrument transport trailer.
• A new round of TAL (teaching and learning) grant applications will become available in early September. $20,000 will be made available to support innovative classroom initiatives.
• The Ruth and Marion Bacon scholarship (overseen by the Foundation) issued four $8,000 scholarships at the GEHS senior honors night to Orianna Jones, Landon Comstock, Essence Greenway, and Kyron Saunders for their post-secondary education.
• SAVE THE DATE: annual cornhole tournament will be on Saturday, October 7, at the GEHS softball field. Proceeds support the WE CARE Fund and scholarships.
• GEHS Car Club receives $2,000 to use for their projects via Robert Cook Scholarship Fund.
• GiveBack2Schools and founder Stacy Swopes presented checks to Nike first grade, GEHS football, Project Grad, and the Foundation.

In just nine months the Foundation has been blessed with individuals, alumni, retirees, businesses, and organizations who support our mission of supporting students and staff in USD 231. If you know of persons who would like to partner with us, please contact Tim Brady at bradyt@usd231.com.

• Platinum - $10,000+
• Valedictorian - $7,500
• Salutatorian - $5,000
• Scholar - $2,500
• Honor Roll - $1,000

Our Board of Directors is committed to supporting YOU and our students. This group of dedicated professionals includes alums, teachers, administrators, parents, and community members. Click link for pictures and bios: https://www.usd231.com/o/foundation/staff