Frankfort, Ky. (Jan. 27, 2022) – The KSBA Educational Foundation, the charitable arm of the Kentucky School Boards Association (KSBA), announced a $5,000 gift to the West Kentucky Tornado Relief Fund for Our Schools established by the Western Kentucky Educational Cooperative (WKEC) following December’s tornadoes. The announcement was made last night at the monthly WKEC board of directors meeting, hosted at KSBA headquarters.

“Since December’s devastating tornadoes, we have been inspired by how districts and other education leaders statewide have stepped up to help neighbors in their time of need,” said KSBA Executive Director Kerri Schelling. “In our ongoing conversations with WKEC, we are excited for the ways this recovery fund will empower local schools to assist those families who have been impacted.”

The contribution, made in the names of Kentucky’s 857 local school board members, coincides with KSBA’s observance of January’s School Board Recognition Month. 

“KSBA could think of no better way to honor school boards than to support an initiative that is so dear to their hearts,” Schelling said. 

WKEC Executive Director Gretchen Wetzel explained that while the relief fund will be instrumental in the region’s long-term recovery, local school districts have been intricately involved since the very beginning.

“Within minutes of the tornadoes, school personnel in these hard-hit communities were some of the first to check on families, to establish emergency centers and to address critical needs,” Wetzel said. “KSBA’s generous gift will help public schools continue to lead the charge.” 

Monies raised by the West Kentucky Tornado Relief Fund for Our Schools will be allocated directly to districts in the impacted communities, much of it administered through local Family Resource and Youth Service Centers (FRYSCs) for services to families displaced or otherwise impacted by the tornadoes. Those wishing to learn more about or contribute to the fund may do so online at wkec.org.

The KSBA Educational Foundation, Inc. is a charitable entity associated with the Kentucky School Boards Association (KSBA) and is charged with advancing the strategic position of school boards through the funding of association support, services and professional training. Through partnerships with Kentucky’s public school districts, friends of education and other organizations, the KSBA Educational Foundation seeks to fulfill its priorities of community engagement, research, school safety programming, student support services, technology and professional training opportunities. Visit KSBAEF.org for more information on the KSBA Educational Foundation.