The McKinney Education Foundation surprised teachers and staff with grants totaling $101,875.

Volunteers from the foundation along with members of the school board and McKinney ISD’s administration delivered 57 grants to 26 district campuses Dec. 7 and 8. The awards are given based on an application process established by the foundation and subject to a impartial review and selection process, foundation CEO Sheila Marlow Due said.

“Providing these grants strikes at the very heart of our mission,” she said.

The inspiration

The grants support initiatives, such as science, technology, engineering and math programs; art projects; music materials; and coding tools, Due said. They also provide unbudgeted professional development opportunities.


“MEF acknowledges that the dream of a college education begins in elementary school,” Due said. “To bridge the gap, MEF provides classroom grants empowering teachers with projects beyond the regular budget, significantly impacting education.”