$18K raised for classrooms, literacy

SANDUSKY — A local organization is funding the future for Sandusky Schools. Members of the Sandusky Education Foundation recently hosted its first Fund the Future event, which collected more than $18,000 to support Sandusky Schools and its students through teacher grants and the Streaky Bear Literacy Initiative. The foundation invited about 55 community members to the Sandusky Yacht Club "to invest directly in local students and educators," according to a foundation statement. Tessa Steinemann, the foundation's treasurer, spearheaded the event's planning and execution. "Fund the Future was created to bring together people who care about Sandusky and want to see our community thrive," Steinemann said. "The strength of our public schools impacts all of us, whether it's attracting families to our community, supporting local businesses or strengthening property values." The event also featured food and appearances from several high-ranking officials within the school district, foundation and community. Notable attendees and their roles for the night included: • Superintendent Luther Johnson, who expressed the importance of community backing to strengthen the district • Martha Murray, the school board president, who attended as the president of the Sandusky Education Foundation; She highlighted the foundation's mission and impact • Alex Jones, a Blue Streaks football coach, acted as the master of ceremonies. • As a teacher, Jeanne Scott shared the impact classroom grants have on students. • Bea Van Meter, a Sandusky High School alumna and graphic designer behind the Streaky Bear book, spoke on the inspiration and mission behind the Streaky Bear book initiative. Eight teacher grant initiatives to enhance classroom learning, provide educational resources and create meaningful student experiences were highlighted at the event. Event proceeds will also support the Streaky Bear book Literacy Initiative, which creates a love of reading in young learners by providing preschool students, kindergarten students and newborns at Firelands Regional Medical Center with a Streaky Bear book. The initiative is anticipated to start in January. "By introducing children to reading at an early age, the initiative hopes to promote early literacy, strengthen connections between families and schools and instill a sense of community pride from the very beginning," the release states. The Sandusky Education Foundation hopes to make Fund the Future an annual event. "You don't have to be a Sandusky graduate or have a child in the district to have a vested interest in the success of our schools," Steinemann said. "When we invest in our teachers and students, we're investing in the future of Sandusky and making it a better place to live, work, and raise a family."