Springfield Public Schools employees present United Way, Foundation for SPS with $50,000 check
Springfield Public Schools employees found a way to Pay it Forward.
During an annual charitable giving campaign, SPS employees raised $50,019.87 for United Way of the Ozarks and the Foundation for Springfield Public Schools. The unified giving effort is a districtwide initiative to support two nonprofits that directly impact student learning and impact the Springfield community.
“The United Way funds raised by Team SPS will support kids outside the classroom in a variety of ways -- after-school programs, increasing food security, addressing poverty and more,” said Greg Burris, President & CEO of the United Way of the Ozarks. “This is foundational work that helps kids reach their potential.”
From November to January, hundreds of Team SPS members financially supported the giving campaign. Champions at each school site hosted fundraisers, Jean Days, trivia events and more to raise money, distributed to both the United Way and the Foundation for SPS.
Teachers and support staff from Phelps Center for the Gifted and Kickapoo High School each gave nearly $2,000. Reed Academy staff $2,146 raised for Springfield students, and Central staff raised nearly $3,000.
“I am thankful for the tremendous support provided to our students and staff by the United Way and Foundation for SPS, and I am so proud of the generosity of our SPS team,” said Superintendent John Jungmann. “In a challenging year, our team members demonstrated their unwavering commitment in countless ways, and their continued embrace of the Pay it Forward Campaign is an important example of their compassion for others -- especially in the midst of difficult circumstances.”
Every dollar given by a teacher, educator, paraprofessional, administrator or support staff makes a difference, said Natalie Murdock, executive director of FSPS.
“The SPS giving campaign is an annual demonstration of our team’s commitment to meeting the needs of our students,” said Murdock. “Our teachers, educators, support staff and professionals work hard for our students’ benefit every day. For them to then give their resources to further support their students speaks to the heart of our teachers. We’re proud to partner with Team SPS to provide solutions, grants and support within our classrooms.”
For more information or to donate, visit the United Way of the Ozarks and Foundation for SPS websites.