ROCK ISLAND, Ill. — The Rock Island-Milan Education Foundation awarded the school district over a quarter of a million dollars in PRIME grants for the 2024-2025 school year.
Each school in the Rock Island-Milan School District has at least one educator who is a recipient of the award. Donations hit a record number in Superintendent Sharon William’s first year with the district. $255,415 was awarded to teachers and educators of the Rock Island-Milan School District for the 2024-2025 school year.
Williams says that there are many classroom needs that the school budget cannot fill on its own, so the grants create a sense of innovation and creativity for teachers, giving them the chance to bring something new into the classroom.
Foundation Executive Director Monta Ponsetto hopes that teachers will use the money to fund new projects that may spark students' interest and create a stronger educational experience.
Instructional Coach Bettina McWilliams was one of the grant recipients and says that not only are they proud and passionate at the Rock Island-Milan County School District, but they’re also very appreciative of the award. McWilliams believes that the grant will enable her students to be better prepared for college and careers.
Ponsetto says that there is no better investment than that in a child’s education.