Combined, these school districts will receive a total of $14.8 million to “improve student achievement, increase efficiency and tear down barriers to college,” according to the state agency.
“The Straight A Fund encourages schools to get creative in the ways they prepare Ohio’s students for the global workplace,” said Lonny J. Rivera, the Ohio Department of Education interim superintendent of public instruction, in a written statement. “These grants jump-start sustainable programs to transform our classrooms and meet the unique needs of all students.”
The $2.97 million in grant funding for Beavercreek City School District will provide students with “21st century learning opportunities,” according to school district officials.
“Our success in attaining Straight A Grant money is helping to transform this district into a place where students are truly learning the skills necessary to be the leaders of tomorrow,” said Bill McGlothlin, the Beavercreek superintendent, in a written statement.
An estimated $996,100 will be used to purchased 2,343 Chromebooks and cases for high school students and also provide professional and curriculum development for teachers.
The school district will also receive a $990,000 grant to provide the technology and equipment for students to take virtual field trips and bring museum experiences into schools.
“A group of teachers will be getting together to create that plan based on the academic learning standards, so it will be fully based on our state standards,” said Susan Hayward, Beavercreek’s assistant superintendent.
A third $984,000 grant will be used for the district’s STEM Jet initiative that will use a Boeing 727 airplane as part of a aerospace curricular program. Funds from this grant will help cover several expenses including remodeling, heating and air conditioning, technology, and expenses associated with moving the jet, Hayward said.
“We are extremely excited to be awarded three Straight A grants,” Hayward said. “It’s amazing that our students are being afforded these multiple opportunities in our district.”
In addition to Beavercreek, Northmont City Schools in Montgomery County was awarded $391,926 for project based learning for K-12 students. The funding will cover staff training, said Sarah Zatik, the Northmont City Schools superintendent.
“We’re thrilled that we have this opportunity to partner with the state over dollars to improve our curriculum and provide some benefits to our staff and students that they may not have gotten without the help of the state,” Zatik said.
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