Education Foundation Funds Fuel Cutting-Edge Classrooms
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The rocket of innovation in Kearney School District continues to be fueled by the KSD Education Foundation.
Foundation leaders recently awarded $11,252 in Teacher Innovation Grants (TIG) to 14 certified district staff members at seven schools. The grants were revealed during a tour of schools by KSDEF Chair Season Kerns, several foundation volunteers and Superintendent Emily Miller on Friday, April 11.
TIGs provide needed funding for new and innovative ideas for classroom teachers to be implemented in the following academic year. Winners are selected annually in the spring to implement programs in reading, technology, science, fine arts and more, Kerns explained.
2025 KSDEF TIG Recipients (School) – Amount & Project:
Krista Beyeler (Hawthorne Elementary RISE Program) - $1200 for “Reaching Independence Through Supported Education”
Sara Burgener Madden (Kearney High School) - $1000 for “Biomedical Science Equipment Update”
Kelsey Colwell (Kearney High School) - $1000 for “Go Direct Blood Pressure Sensor”
Dani Davis (Dogwood Elementary) - $599.99 for “Social Emotional Learning”
Shelly Dunn (Hawthorne Elementary) - $540 for “Netting Fun for Everyone – Let’s Play Pickleball!”
Will Ford (Kearney Elementary) - $1000 for “iPads for Art”
Katy Foster (Hawthorne Elementary) - $685 for “Egg to Check: A Hands-On Learning Experience in Life Science”
Catina Green (Hawthorne Elementary RISE Program) - $1000 for “Establish RISE rooms throughout the district”
Jamie Luppes (Southview Elementary) - $450.74 for “Development Wordsmiths One Word At A Time”
Chelsea Miller (Hawthorne Elementary) - $300 for “Seeds of Knowledge: A Hands-On Learning Experience Through the Plant Life Cycle”
Heather Oldham (Kearney Elementary) - $876.72 for “Rocking Into Reading: Enhancing Engagement”
Tyler Owen (Kearney Middle School) - $950 for “Hands-On Ancient History”
Kassidy Robertson (Kearney High School) - $1000 for “KitchenAid Attachments”
Sara Woods (Early Education Center) - $650 for “3-D Minis for Hands-On Language Learning”
These teachers applied for and were selected by a special committee to receive these grants, which are funded with the donations raised by the foundation through direct giving and special events like the annual Turkey Trot run. The Teacher Innovation Grants program brings these concepts to life in classrooms, benefiting students when alternative funding isn't available.
“KSD’s teachers are constantly looking to create new and more engaging experiences for our children,” Kerns said. “We’re grateful to our community for supporting this work and excited to see what our TIG recipients achieve!”
KPGZ News – Ray Weikal contributed to this story.
