CANYON, TEXAS -- It's no secret how steep budget cuts are affecting school districts across the state.
Because of that, Education Foundations are needed more now than ever. Because of one of them, Canyon Independent School District teachers just got some much-needed grants.
Canyon's Education Foundation just gave away nearly $28,000 to the educators in that district.
That money will give them the chance to pick up some equipment and supplies for their classrooms that they've been doing without.
It's this week's Region 16 Spotlight Education report.
"The school districts all across the state are facing a lot of hardships due to budget shortfalls and such. The Foundation is not designed to subplant those funds but we like to support initiative projects that teachers come up with that may not be funded otherwise," said Greg Green, Education Foundation for CISD President.
Those projects include much needed equipment and supplies. From E-books to suction devices. Michele Barton, Canyon High School's Health Occupation Teacher, applied and received money to buy it.
"What it does, we actually use it to suction any sucretions that might be in a patients mouth during an accident, trauma, or medical situation," said Barton.
A medical device that Barton says is essential in helping these high schoolers get their EMT License.
"Part of our job is to make sure we can help people and it's awesome to be able to have the confidence knowing that we already practice with this equipment on a mannequin and we're confident using it so that we can provide better care out in the field," said Madison Hernandez, CHS Senior.
Confidence to continue their education and confidence in knowing that in time of budget woes, the volunteers and community members who make up the Education Foundation are there to help with critical needs.
The Education Foundation in Canyon was created in late 1999. Since then, it was awarded more than $300,000 in grants.
If you would like to make a donation, click here.
