Federal Programs Director and the PUSD grants teamwork to enrich student learning through a variety of educational programs
During a Prescott Woman Magazine interview, Jamie Bjune said she looked forward to implementing a new grant program for indoor hydroponic gardens at Granite Mountain Middle School later that day. The Federal Programs Director for Prescott Unified School District (PUSD), Jamie and her team in the grants department said the hydroponic gardens grant serves as just one small example of the many grant opportunities available for PUSD students.
The role of the PUSD grants department is to apply for grants, monitor grant compliance requirements, and sometimes even implement grant programs, including K-12 tutoring, English as a second language assistance, and Farm to School gardens at all seven district schools.
Three grants team members collaborated on the latest of three successful federal Farm to School grant applications, including the new edible hydroponic garden, which holds more than 200 plants. The project not only teaches students about math and science, but also feeds them.
As the team seeks and applies for grant opportunities, Jamie said, “Our main focus is always, what will help us meet the needs of students?”
Grants have become critical to school budgets in states like Arizona, which regularly places at the bottom in per-pupil state funding. The PUSD grants team generates about $3 million worth of entitlement and competitive grants annually. That number more than tripled with temporary federal grants for COVID-related challenges. Those grants are ending this year.
“It’s been really eye opening to see how we can get programs for kids they wouldn’t have otherwise,” said Jennifer Thompson, PUSD grants fiscal coordinator, who handles the complex numbers side of the grants.
“Even with entitlement and state funding, we’re always going to need supplemental funding,” Jamie agreed.
Jamie was hired in June 2023 to lead the PUSD grants department. Her strong educational background as classroom teacher and in college administration make her the perfect fit to manage grants and the programs associated with those grants. PUSD has had much success in hiring educators for leadership positions because they understand the core mission of the district is to educate students.
Grants Manager/English Language (EL) Coordinator Rhette Buller is also a former teacher and school leader. Grants Specialist and Tutor Coordinator Judy Stencel was a school librarian. Farm to School Specialist Katie Seigler is a new college graduate who now works with her former PUSD teachers as well as Farm to School Coordinator Victoria Ellis (and out-going Farm to School Coordinator Sara Reveile). With the help of Ray Lloyd and Kelly Mattox (not pictured), PUSD grants also support students experiencing homelessness as well as indigenous students.
“The great thing about our department is that although everybody has their own roles, we all jump in to help out the team,” Jamie said.
Assistant Superintendent Mardi Read commented, “Our grants Department is the hidden treasure trove of the district. Their programs have been instrumental in making PUSD a highly performing district.”
For more information about the Prescott Unified School District and its grants department, visit www.prescottschools.com.