The Nez Perce Tribe distributed its second highest amount to date when it presented its annual education grants Wednesday, contributing more than $400,000 to area schools and programs.
The $409,000 total was topped only by the $427,000 distributed in 2007, according to executive assistant Catherine Arthur-Bigman.
Wednesday's grants brought the amount distributed since the program began to $4.6 million, Nez Perce Tribal Executive Committee Treasurer Shannon Wheeler told a group of area educators gathered at the Clearwater River Casino and Lodge Event Center.
American Indian tribes in Idaho must dedicate at least 5 percent of their annual net gaming income to schools or educational programs. That requirement was part of a gaming initiative approved by Idaho voters in 2002.
Troy Preschool lead teacher Heather Chamberlin said the $9,525 her private, nonprofit school received helps families who could not otherwise afford pre-kindergarten education.
"A lot of it goes to tuition assistance," Chamberlin said.
The school also will use some of the money for technology upgrades, she said.
Jackie Smith, head teacher at Culdesac School, said the two $10,000 grants her school received are technology-focused, moving Culdesac toward the goal of one-to-one devices - iPads or laptop computers - for all its students.
"We've been very thankful that the tribe has been so generous and helpful," Smith said. "Our students really see a lot of benefits from this funding that we get."
Lewiston High School teacher Amy Chase said she'll use the nearly $5,000 grant her school received to organize a hands-on science, technology, engineering and math night this fall.
Chase said she hopes to see students and parents meet face-to-face with representatives from health care professions and businesses such as Vista Outdoor and Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories - "people who use science, engineering, technology, math in their careers."
Bill Picard, a NPTEC member who himself worked many years in education, thanked the teachers in the audience before the grant presentations.
"You guys are making a difference in these kids' lives," Picard said.
School representatives accepted symbolic oversized checks from Picard and actual checks from vice chairman McCoy Oatman, many pausing to clasp hands with the men or exchange hugs.
Wheeler said the Nez Perce Tribe is happy to share the casino's profits and expects the amount it donates to continue to grow.
"The tribe is thankful that we're getting out there," he said. "The net revenues are looking pretty good this year for the casino."
Another NPTEC member, Sam Penney, spoke to the broader issue of school funding, noting the tribe's contributions are intended to supplement school budgets, not replace state money.
"They still have a constitutional responsibility to fully fund education," Penney said.
The schools and programs awarded grants Wednesday are:
Cavendish-Teakean Elementary, $900; Orofino Elementary, $9,500; Orofino High School, $10,000; Clearwater Valley Elementary, $20,000; Clearwater Valley High School, $5,000; Nezperce High School, $9,499; Culdesac Elementary, $10,000; Culdesac High School, $10,000; Juliaetta Elementary, $9,060; Lapwai Elementary - attendance clerk, $10,000; Lawai Elementary - positive behavioral intervention, $10,000; Lapwai Elementary - reading intervention, $10,000; Lapwai Elementary-Middle School, $10,000; Lapwai High School, career and college readiness; $10,000; Lapwai High School - work experience, $5,000; Lapwai High School - mentor artist's playwrights program, $5,000; Lapwai High School - cheerleading, $2,300; Lapwai High School - special education, $9,900; Lapwai Middle School - natural helpers, $10,000; Nez Perce Cultural Camp, $12,000; Youth Cultural Enrichment Academy, $10,000; Nez Perce Tribe PACE program, $10,000; Young Horseman Youth Program, $10,000; Tribal Fisheries Intern, $10,000; Tribal Police Youth Explorers, $10,000; Nimiipuu Community Development Fund, $10,000; Rise Above, $7,500; Kamiah Chamber of Commerce, $10,000; college athlete preparation and training, $4,090; Nimiipuu Protecting the Environment, $5,000; Nez Perce Appaloosa Horse Club, $6,200; Lapwai Boys and Girls Club, $10,000; Lewiston High School, $4,941; All Saints Catholic School, $1,430; Genesee School District, $9,500; Cottonwood School District, $5,000; Grangeville High School, $5,000; Timberline High School, $8,000; Palouse Prairie Charter School, $9,475; Moscow School District, $10,000; Troy Preschool, $9,525; Moscow Wrestling Club, $3,075; Lewis Clark Early Childhood Education Program, $10,000; Asotin County Library, $10,000; Lewis-Clark State College, $10,000; University of Idaho - Festival Dance, $2,502; UI - scholarships, $10,000; Washington State University - ambassador program, $10,000; WSU - scholarships, $10,000; Lapwai, Kooskia and Kamiah graduation parties, $750.
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Stone may be contacted at mstone@lmtribune.com or at (208) 848-2244. Follow her on Twitter @MarysSchoolNews.
