AASA Awards Grants to School Districts Across the Nation
January 12, 2026
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Alexandria, Va. – January 12, 2026 – AASA, The School Superintendents Association, has announced the recipients of the 2026 Helping Kids Mini Grants, a program funded by AASA, and supported by its government cooperative procurement partner, Sourcewell.
This year, $80,500 in funds have been distributed to 23 school districts across the nation to improve infrastructure and increase student success.
“AASA is proud to support public school districts through the Helping Kids Mini Grants program,” said David R. Schuler, executive director of AASA. “As the national organization representing and serving school system leaders, it is central to our mission to invest in practical solutions that strengthen learning environments and improve outcomes for students. These grants empower districts to address real needs in their communities, and we are grateful to Sourcewell for their continued partnership and shared commitment to helping schools succeed throughout the U.S.”
For 2026, the following school districts were chosen to receive the AASA | Sourcewell Helping Kids Mini Grants:
- Adair County Schools – Kentucky
Superintendent, Jason Faulkner - Ajo Unified School District #15 – Arizona
Superintendent, Roman Soltero - Bowie Unified School District #14 – Arizona
Superintendent, Richard Arkanoff - Center School District #58 – Missouri
Superintendent, Troy S. Hogg - Duneland School Corporation – Indiana
Superintendent, Chip Pettit - Fairfax County Public Schools – Virginia
Superintendent, Michelle C. Reid - Florida Union Free School District – New York
Superintendent, Lisamarie Spindler - Gilboa-Conesville Central School – New York
Superintendent, Bonnie Johnson - Hamblen County Department of Education – Tennessee
Superintendent, Arnold W. Bunch - Hellgate Elementary School District #4 – Montana
Superintendent, Molly Blakely - ISD 728 Elk River Area Schools – Minnesota
Superintendent, Andy Almos - Lancaster Independent School District – Texas
Superintendent, A. Katrise Perera - Legacy Traditional Schools – South Carolina
Superintendent, Jennifer Turney - Manassas Park City Schools – Virginia
Superintendent, Melissa Saunders - Multnomah Education Service District – Oregon
Superintendent, Paul E. Coakley - Pine River Area Schools – Michigan
Superintendent, Michelle Gill - Posen-Robbins School District 143-5 – Illinois
Superintendent, Anthony Edison - School City of East Chicago – Indiana
Superintendent, Stephen Bournes - Sheffield City Schools – Alabama
Superintendent, Carlos Nelson - Theodore Jamerson Elementary School – North Dakota
Superintendent, Amy DeWitt - Township High School District 214 – Illinois
Superintendent, Scott Rowe - University Schools – Tennessee
Superintendent, Sally Gates Parish - Wright Technical Center ISD 966 – Minnesota
Superintendent, Brian Nutter
Since 2012, AASA and Sourcewell have worked together to create the mini-grant program. For additional questions, please contact Leigh Hines at leigh.hines@aasa.org.
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About AASA
AASA, The School Superintendents Association, founded in 1865, is the professional organization for more than 13,000 educational leaders in the United States and throughout the world. AASA’s mission is to support
and develop effective school system leaders who are dedicated to equitable access for all students to the highest quality public education. For more information, visit www.aasa.org.
About Sourcewell
Sourcewell partners with K-12 schools across the United States and Canada to deliver streamlined procurement solutions that support student success. With access to hundreds of competitively awarded contracts, schools can efficiently purchase technology, classroom supplies, transportation, and professional development resources while saving time and money. Our trusted cooperative purchasing process ensures efficiency and transparency, with contracts delivered through local dealers to strengthen communities. From modernizing classrooms to enhancing student well-being, Sourcewell empowers schools to create enriching learning environments. Focus on what matters most—empowering students—while we help to streamline the procurement process. Learn more at sourcewell-mn.gov/aasa-k12-buying.
