NEW GUIDELINES SET FOR BILOXI FIRST GRANTS

In a move to make a greater and more lasting impact on the total instructional program of the Biloxi Public Schools, the Biloxi First Board of Directors  today announced that the organization will accept and consider grant proposals made by multiple applicants, including department, grade level, or school projects that might require financing at a higher level. Up to this point, Biloxi First funded projects costing $500 or less.

The Board emphasizes that the organization will also continue to encourage applications by individual teachers for creative and innovative student-centered projects that would not otherwise be funded by the district. Those grants, it was noted, will most likely continue to be capped at $500, but individual proposals with a higher cost will now be considered for funding.

After fifteen years of successful operation, with almost $100,000 having been awarded to Biloxi teachers for individual projects, Biloxi First is expanding and redefining its efforts to enhance instruction in the Biloxi Public Schools.

Discussing the guidelines that will govern awarding of grants in the future, primarily funded under the unique Named Grant Program of Biloxi First, president Jamey Hunt said that the organization seeks substantive projects that focus on placing resources in a school that have a longer life span than a single year.

"We think that Biloxi First has reached a point in its growth that we needed to review our mission and examine ways in which we can do the greatest good for the greatest number of students in our schools," Hunt added. "Since its organization in 1989, Biloxi First has awarded more than 177 grants to Biloxi teachers. With assets now approaching the $300,000 level, we have far surpassed the original goal set by Biloxi First of raising $100,000 to support our schools. We hope to continue to grow, expanding our financial base and at the same time reaching out in new ways to enrich the educational opportunities of Biloxi students through even better utilization of our resources to support Biloxi teachers."

Superintendent Dr. Paul Tisdale said that faculty members will be kept fully informed through the staff newsletter and e-mail services regarding application guidelines and dates for submission of proposals, adding that the Biloxi First project review committee will consider only those proposals that adhere in full to all requirements established by the Board for submission of proposals.