Finley seeks $30K in donations to receive $2.8 million grant

The Finley School District has a good head start on raising the tens of thousands of dollars needed to match a new $2.8 million state grant — but officials say they are moving quickly to secure more donations.

The small rural district southeast of Kennewick was one of six selected for grants aimed at helping to modernize schools for science, technology, engineering and math, or STEM, courses.

District officials have spent weeks raising the $100,000 in matching dollars required to land the grant and about $70,000 in donations have already been secured ahead of the July 1 deadline.

“We’re not worried about it but we’re not going to sit around and wait for it to flow in,” said Superintendent Lance Hahn, adding that the district is reaching out to various businesses and organizations.

Finley wants to use the grant to build an additional science lab classroom with the latest safety equipment, such as an eyewash station, at River View High School. River View’s greenhouse also would be renovated, and more faculty and storage space built.

The district only has space to teach either chemistry or physics each school year, making it difficult for students wanting to complete both courses before graduation. A dedicated science class for freshmen has to be taught in the school’s career and technical education building or a standard classroom, which limits instruction.

The district is trying to get students ahead in STEM as early as grade school, before they get to the high school where the grant money will be spent.

Donations for the district’s match to the grant don’t have to be cash. In-kind donations of time and other resources count. Equipment for the renovated space or STEM professionals willing to serve as guest instructors also are included in the donation total.

“Here in Finley we are proud to offer strong educational programs,” said Bryan Long, the district’s human resources director, in a statement. “It’s time for all of us to come to the table and show our support in offering first-class learning to Finley’s deserving students.”

The district is also running a program where donors can “buy a brick” in the name of a loved one or their family in support of the grant.

Those who want to donate can contact the district at 509-586-3217.

This story was originally published May 16, 2016 at 10:37 AM with the headline "Finley seeks $30K in donations to receive $2.8 million grant."