Local endowment approves $14,000 grant to secure reading teacher in South Routt schools
District leaders say money couldn't have come at better time, given federal funding cuts
For the first time since its founding, the South Routt Education Endowment has approved an inaugural $14,000 grant to bridge a shortfall caused by Title I budget reductions, securing funding for a reading teacher in the South Routt School District, according to a statement released Tuesday.
Supported by funds from the Yampa Valley Community Foundation’s Emergent Needs Funding Program, the grant ensures specialized reading help will remain available for students who need extra academic support.
District leaders say the grants couldn’t have come at a better time, given widespread cuts to federal school funding across Colorado.
“This contribution helps us make the position whole and allows us to continue targeting early literacy as a top priority,” said South Routt School District Superintendent Kirk Henwood in the statement. “This funding keeps our Title I teacher in place, which means more targeted support for the kids who need it most.”
The endowment, established in 2012 and carefully managed through community contributions, was built specifically to address educational needs as they arise.
“An endowment works like a never-ending savings account,” said Russ Garrity, longtime fundraising volunteer and founding donor to the endowment, in the statement. “The fund (now over $500,000) is invested by Yampa Valley Community Foundation, and the interest and earnings can be used to support programs. That way, the gift keeps giving — forever.”
To make a tax-deductible donation to the endowment fund, visit tinyurl.com/ybj97px3.
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