Arts and Technology Education Fund Applications Available

Grant applications for the Arts and Technology Education Fund are now available.

Committee member Evelyn Thoren Monday night told selectmen the grant cycle has started and the committee will look to approve grants that will support educational initiatives that enhance the curriculum of the Chelmsford Public Schools.

Donations are typically made by checking off a box on residents' annual tax bills, Thoren said, but donations will be accepted at any time throughout the year by making a check out to the Chelmsford Arts & Technology Education Fund.

Thoren said money is also typically raised around the holidays or at the end of the school year as a teacher appreciation gift.

Thoren stressed the money in the fund is specifically for innovative programming and is separate from the regular school department budget. If each household gave $1, the fund would have more than $9,000, she said.

After a teacher receives the grant, Thoren said they must fill out a form after so taxpayers know how their money was spent and whether or not the teacher felt the goals of the programming were reached.

"It directly benefits the students in Chelmsford Public Schools," said Thoren.

Information and grant applications are available on the town web site.