This year, the Krum ISD Education Foundation surprised grant recipients in their classrooms. Bradley McBride, Kristen Hanes, Amanda Cole, Kelsi Bannahan, Anna Contreras, Brooke Rose, Katie Morris and Executive Director Brooke Cates visited each Krum ISD campus throughout the week to personally surprise teachers in their classrooms with news of their awarded grants. By spreading the celebrations across several days, the Foundation was able to highlight the impact of each grant on individual campuses and involve students in the excitement, making the moment even more memorable for everyone involved.

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With support from our partner, the CoServ Charitable Foundation, the Krum Education Foundation (KEF) awarded Krum High School Librarian Jennifer Barns $5,000 to purchase maker space materials. These spaces encourage students to move beyond traditional classroom instruction and engage in project-based learning experiences that develop critical thinking, communication, and teamwork skills.​​​​

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Jennifer Gilbreath, Kason Peterson, Riley Sloan, and Hartlie Pape of Krum High School were awarded a technology grant in the amount of $20,000 to purchase a CNC Plasma Table. Students will learn how to transform digital designs into finished products, combining creativity with practical problem-solving and engineering concepts.

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Sarah Yanez of Dixie Hansel Elementary was awarded $1,018.3 to purchase planners for fourth and fifth graders to help them stay organized and communicate clearly. She was also awarded a technology grant in the amount of $715.43 to begin a photography club on campus.

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Amy Carter of Blanche Dodd Elementary was awarded a $1,000 instructional grant to purchase motor lab tools and equipment for the sensory lab. These resources transform learning from passive observation to active participation, allowing students to apply classroom concepts in meaningful ways.

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Kayla Rose of Krum High School was awarded an instructional grant in the amount of $518.79 to attend the National Dance Coaches Association. Participants learn best practices from experienced educators and industry professionals, bringing innovative teaching strategies and fresh ideas back to their programs.

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Heather Libick & Dawn Schertz of Hattie Dyer Elementary were awarded $2,773.55 to purchase literacy tools to help put on an annual Literacy Night. This community event brings students, families, and educators together to celebrate reading and promote literacy in an engaging and interactive environment.

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Tricia Bolz of Blanche Dodd Elementary was awarded a $4,477.99 instructional grant to implement the "Character Counts Pillars" program. This initiative is designed to promote influential character attributes and positive peer relationships among students.

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With support from our partner, H-E-B Helping Here, the Krum Education Foundation (KEF) awarded Brandi Claiborne, Ruth Morrison, Natasha Kirkland, and Leigh Ann Olson a $5,000 instructional grant to purchase gross motor lab equipment. Students use gross motor equipment to improve fundamental movement skills such as jumping, climbing, balancing, throwing, and coordination.

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Dayna Steddum, Yein Yang, Trenton Hicks, Jennifer Noble, Lynn Larson and Kori Parnell of Krum High School were awarded a $5,000 instructional grant to purchase new calculators for the Math Department. Graphing calculators provide equitable access to essential learning technology, ensuring that all students can engage in rigorous mathematics instruction and develop the skills needed for future academic and career success.

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Jamie Flowers, Carl Hollums, and Kevin Tate of of Krum High School were awarded a $3,000 instructional grant to purchase modern LCD microscopes. The LCD display enables students to view specimens on a larger screen, making scientific observations more accessible and collaborative. Ms. Flowers was also awarded an instructional grant in the amount of $669 to purchase a Van De Graaff machine. The equipment supports TEKS objectives related to scientific investigation, energy, force and motion, electricity, and physical science concepts.

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Katrina Campbell of Hattie Dyer Elementary was awarded an instruction grant in the amount of $270 to attend a Physical Education conference, TAPHERD. This conference provides educators with valuable professional development opportunities that directly enhance student learning and wellness programs. She was also awarded an instructional grant for $3,450 to purchase gymnastics equipment. Donor-funded gymnastics equipment enhances physical education programs by providing students with engaging, skill-building experiences that support fitness standards, confidence, and overall student development.

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* All grant applications were reviewed and scored by the Programs and Allocations Committee after educators submitted them in February. To be eligible for consideration, the grant application must present a project that has a designated period for completion, highlights measurable objectives, and aligns with the district’s mission, improvement plan, and curriculum goals. The grant application must also describe how the success of the project will be evaluated. 

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These grants were among four different types of grants currently funded by Krum ISD Education Foundation. The purpose of an Instructional Initiative Grant is to provide funds to support educators through their instructional projects and pursuits that supplement and align with the district’s strategic plan. The purpose of a Technology Grant is to provide funds to acquire technology, to enhance technology which is already in place, and to develop skills to leverage a funded initiative in support of education reforms and state achievement. 

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In addition to the teacher and campus grants, the Foundation awarded four KEF Teacher Scholarships to educators in Krum Independent School District.

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Teachers Chase Hall, Amber Wilson, Kyrsten Fuentes, and Cecilia Gonzales were each awarded teacher scholarships in the amount of $1,500. Ms. Gonzales will use her scholarship to continue pursuing a Master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction. Mr. Hall will work toward earning his certification in 4th–8th grade Social Studies, Ms. Wilson and Ms. Fuentes will complete their alternative teaching certifications.

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Introduced in fiscal year 2017, the KEF Teacher Scholarship program provides funds to support educators in advancing their value to the District through training, certification, and higher education. The Foundation may award up to $1,500 per educator per year.

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In addition to Krum ISD educator grants, the Foundation awarded an additional $22,023 directly to Krum ISD students in the form of scholarships and grants for a total amount awarded to educators and students of  $80,916.06.