The Columbia Public Schools Foundation (CPSF) is celebrating its 25th anniversary by awarding each Columbia Public School (CPS) with a $2,500 grant. The Foundation kicked off its awards today at Grant Elementary School.

The Foundation will be visiting all CPS elementary, middle and high school buildings throughout the month of April to award the funds. “We’re celebrating our 25th anniversary, and we’re also celebrating our schools and our teachers,” said Cindy Mustard, president of the Foundation’s board of directors.

The funds come directly from the Kay McLeod donation, a $1 million donation from the estate of Kay McLeod. McLeod was a lifelong public school teacher who began her career with the Columbia Public Schools. The donation, announced last year, is the largest in the Foundation’s history.

“While we’re proud to have donated nearly $150,000 in COVID-19 pandemic relief to our schools, we understand what a challenge these past few years have been for everyone who supports our students and teachers,” said Sally Silvers, secretary of the Foundation’s board of directors. “We know that Kay and her family are happy that these funds are going to directly support each school, teacher and student.”

Funds should be spent in keeping with the Foundation’s mission to enhance and enrich public education.

The Columbia Public Schools Foundation is a private foundation established by community volunteers dedicated to the enrichment of public education through community giving. The Foundation has funded projects in every school, allocating more than $1.4 million to enhance education in the Columbia Public Schools. CPSF was founded in 1996 and has supported teachers and students for 25 years.