A special gift came to students in McLean County shortly after school was back in session.
At the Board of Education meeting on Thursday, August 16th, Independence Bank presented a check for $15,000 to the Educational Foundation for Excellence towards the Foundation’s goal of funding new chrome books for each student in McLean County.
These laptops can be used in the classroom and students will be allowed to take them home to continue their learning after the bell rings. These initial chrome books, funded by the bank, are already being used by McLean County High School’s freshmen class as part of the High School’s Summit Learning Initiative.
Foundation Chairman, Earl Melloy said, “We set a goal to provide every student in the McLean County school district grades 2nd – 12th with a laptop. The total cost per laptop is around $210 which includes the equipment itself and necessary licensing. The total cost of the project is around $150,000. The Board of Education stepped up and donated an initial $24,000. The donation from the bank, along with donations from other private supporters and local businesses, helps close the gap of funds needed to provide students the opportunity to learn beyond the classroom,” said Melloy.
“When funds are received toward the project, those dollars are immediately used to purchase new chrome books rather than sitting idle. Melloy said, “This is already having an impact in the classroom. Through this initiative, we want to expand their potential as soon as possible rather than waiting for the full amount to be received.”
Representing Independence Bank at the check presentation was McLean County Class of 95’ graduate, Josh Searcy. Searcy is Vice President and Head of Trust and Brokerage for the bank.
“Independence Bank is and has always been a supporter of education. We place a high value on investing in the leaders of the future and giving them the tools they need to develop a brighter tomorrow. Technology is an important piece of learning today and we are thrilled to contribute to a project such as this. We encourage others to join us in raising the remaining funds to achieve the Foundation’s goal,” said Searcy.
To learn more about the McLean County Educational Foundation for Excellence and the Summit Learning Initiative, make a donation or get involved, please contact Superintendent, Tommy Burrough at the McLean County Board of Education office at 270-273-5257.
ABOUT INDEPENDENCE BANK:
Independence Bank is a locally owned and operated community bank with 25 locations in Calloway, Daviess, Franklin, Graves, Hancock, Henderson, Hopkins, Jefferson, McCracken, McLean, Warren and Webster counties with assets over $2.2 billion. For more information about Independence Bank and other community outreach initiatives we are involved in please visit 1776bank.com.
