FY26 Budget Includes Grants for All Teachers to Purchase Classroom Tools

For the first time in our district’s history, the FY26 budget includes a one-time $500 teacher grant available to every teacher in the district. This grant is a direct investment in our classrooms and a heartfelt thank you to our teachers for the passion and commitment they bring to our students every day. Great teaching is powered by great tools—and we know teachers often go above and beyond to make sure their students have what they need.

This grant is meant to help ease that burden, giving our teachers the flexibility to purchase the materials and resources they need to make their classroom a welcoming, engaging, and effective space for learning.  SCCPSS 2026 District Teacher of the Year Jennifer Hughes says, “This grant is a tremendous opportunity for all of our teachers—especially those in their first year who are building their classrooms from the ground up. The funding directly supports our mission to provide outstanding learning opportunities for our students.”

The grant can be used for a wide variety of items that directly support classroom instruction.  Those items can include:

• Instructional materials (books, manipulatives, charts)
• Classroom supplies (markers, bins, organizers)
• Decor that helps create a warm and inviting learning environment
• Tools for differentiation or intervention
• Technology accessories that support instruction

Teachers have two flexible options for accessing the grant.  They can either make the purchases themselves and file for reimbursement or share their requested supply list with their school and the order will be placed through district -approved vendors requiring no funds to be paid out of pocket by the teacher.  “Teachers will be able to select the instructional supplies and materials they need most to equip their classrooms and prepare their students for a successful school year. I’m deeply grateful to our district for setting aside these funds to support our work,” says Hughes.

Further information about this grant and information on how to access it will be provided to teachers when they return to the classroom in late July.  SCCPSS is proud to offer this support as part of our continued investment in our teachers and their classrooms!