The Bluford Unit School District learned last week from the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) that it has been awarded two grants totaling more than $65,000. This is in addition to being awarded a property tax relief grant totaling more than $210,000. In the last month the district has received over $275,000 in grant money from ISBE.
The first grant was a National School Lunch Program Equipment Grant for $15,732. The district's food service program has grown by 67.5% this year with the implementation of the Community Eligibility Program, which provides free breakfast and lunch to all students. As such, the district experienced the need for additional kitchen equipment for storage, preparation, and service. This grant money will be utilized to purchase additional equipment to help staff meet the increased demand.
The second grant is a School Maintenance Project Grant for $50,000 from ISBE. This grant will be used to replace the gutters on the 2001 addition. The gutters are currently steel and are not in good condition with many holes and leaks throughout. Also, the district will replace the floor in the 1957 gymnasium. The current floor is a nine inch tile containing asbestos. The tile/asbestos will be professionally removed and abated. The replacement floor is a product from Gerflor called Teraflex Sports flooring. It is found in other grade school gymnasiums throughout the area including Hoyleton and Nashville Trinity St. John. It will be quite the upgrade in appearance as well as student safety.