The Foundation provides grants for high achieving educators to receive funding for professional educational development. There are three programs:
Sue Pence, daughter of Ernie Pence, with 2016 award winner- The Ernie Pence Memorial Grant (one awarded annually in the amount of $400) — made possible by an endowment established through the Ernie Pence Estate Funds from the Pence family. This grant may apply toward tuition and textbooks for a class offered by an accredited college or university to further a certified employee’s education in his/her field. Preference will be given to coursework that supports professional goals and student learning goals.
- The Joy Bayshore Memorial Grants (up to two awarded annually in the amount of $250/per) — made possible by the Joy Bayshore Estate. These grants may apply toward the purchase of books and/or materials for innovative curricular projects.
- CRCS Foundation Grants (up to four awarded annually in the amount of $250/per) — funds from the CRCS Foundation grants may apply toward conference registrations, professional internships, workshops, re/certification fees, etc.
Applicants may be either certified and/or classified employees seeking professional development opportunities. It is required that the recipient of a grant must return to the district for at least one year following the completion of the professional growth activity.
The applications will be evaluated based upon the following criteria:
- Articulation of purpose
- Relationship to student learning goals.
- Description of impact on students and student learning
- Overall impression and clarity of application