KSD awarded arts, CTE grants

KELLOGG — The Kellogg School District has received two grants to support student learning and expand educational opportunities.

The first award, the Expanding Arts Access in Rural Public Schools Grant, totals $3,947.75 and is funded by the Idaho Legislature in partnership with the Idaho State Board of Education. The grant will help enhance arts access and experiences for students in rural schools, ensuring that creative and cultural learning opportunities continue to thrive in the Kellogg community.

Elementary music teacher Jocelyn Cano played a key role in developing and securing the grant.

The second, and largest, award is the Idaho Career Ready Students Program Micro-Grant of up to $50,000. The grant will fund the purchase of new equipment for the welding and agricultural mechanics programs at Kellogg High School, providing students with hands-on, career-focused learning experiences that align with Idaho’s workforce needs. Kellogg High School welding and agricultural mechanics instructor Cory North led the development of the grant, which will expand access to industry-relevant tools and training.

“We are humbled and grateful for these grant opportunities, which allow us to continue investing in our students’ education and future,” said Superintendent Lance Pearson. “The initiative and teamwork shown by our teachers and administrators demonstrate the heart of this district — finding ways to provide meaningful opportunities for our students.”

Kellogg School District curriculum, instruction and assessment director Nathan Whatcott played a key role in securing both awards.

While the district celebrates these opportunities, Pearson said alternative funding sources are becoming increasingly important with the failure of the Nov. 4 supplemental levy.

“These grants represent the kind of partnerships and resourcefulness we will continue to rely on,” Pearson said.