A GRACIOUS GIFT

DPS receives $18 million grant from philanthropist MacKenzie Scott

ifts come in different shapes and sizes. That certainly rings true for the recent gift Durham Public Schools received from philanthropist MacKenzie Scott. This unexpected package just happened to be an $18 million grant.

“Ms. Scott’s recent gifts to public and charitable organizations have been focused on fostering equity, opportunity, and achievement for American communities,” said Dr. Pascal Mubenga, superintendent. “We are pleased and humbled that Ms. Scott has taken note of DPS’s commitment to embrace, educate, and empower each student.”

The grant, administered by the National Philanthropic Trust, is unrestricted, meaning it can be used how the district sees fit. A contribution of this nature is rare for school districts and DPS leaders wanted to ensure that considerable thought went into how to prioritize the use of the grant funds. The DPS Board of Education, administrators, principals, teachers, students, and community members were brought to the table to share their thoughts and recommendations.

“When we received these funds, folks wanted to know immediately what we were doing with the funds,” said Mubenga. “It was really important for us to go through the process and ensure everyone was involved.”

A recommendation for how the district will use the funds was presented to the Board for a vote at its February work session and was unanimously approved.

“At the end of the day, these resources will support student achievement,” said Mubenga. “Hearing from our principals, teachers, and students helped inform our direction for how we comprehensively support our students. We look forward to seeing this gift at work in our schools.”

Grant spending includes six primary areas which are connected to the district’s strategic plan. Almost half of the grant - $8.22M - will support academics across the district including professional development for staff, instructional resources, interactive classrooms, and funds to enhance Career and Technical Education programs at high schools.

Implementation and outreach for DPS’s Growing Together initiative for elementary schools will also be supported by the grant, as well as mental health supports, equity programs, and the creation of a Family Engagement Center.

The remaining grant funds will be used for:

• $1.28 million for school support including funding support for the DPS Foundation’s WHOLE Schools Movement and also for a teacher housing initiative, plus funding for high school clubs and activities,

• $2.5 million for human resources efforts including the Bull City Scholars “grow your own” program, which helps DPS students attend college and become teachers; math and science recruitment; assisting DPS employees with securing teaching credentials through the DREAM program, and more,

• $1 million for operational enhancements to emergency radio communications,

• $1.5 million for transportation service enhancements to support the Growing Together transition years and a replacement plan for district support vehicles, and

• $3.5 million for required transfers to charter schools.

“I want to thank Ms. Scott for witnessing and supporting the great work of DPS educators and staff to support students and families,” said Bettina Umstead, Chair of the Board of Education. “We will focus on using this to enhance our work with schools that will ignite the limitless potential of our students.”