Chamber's gifts: Mini grants show partnership between businesses, schools

Funding schools these days is not easy. So, it is not surprising that sometimes there simply is no money for extras -- and just barely enough for the basics.

So when a community organization comes along and offers to raise money for mini grants to allow teachers to step out of the traditional classroom box, it is an opportunity not to be missed.

The Wayne County Chamber of Commerce this week passed out money to a variety of projects around the school system designed to increase learning opportunities for county children. The money is raised, in part, from the chamber's annual spelling bee fundraiser.

The amounts are not large, but they are a sign that chamber members understand the importance of improving the quality of instruction in the county schools and are willing to spearhead an effort to put their money where their mouths are.

And as money gets tighter and tighter, programs like this -- as well as support from the community in general, are critical pieces of the effort to make sure Wayne County's children get the best possible education they can receive.

This county has made it clear how important education is and how much its residents support Wayne County's schools.

This is one of many ways of showing that they are willing to invest to make sure the progress continues.

Published in Editorials on November 21, 2008 1:52 PM