In addition to the warm support of the residents who live in the community, the business community also strongly supports its local schools in so many ways. Area restaurants provide food for many of our school functions. Donations from businesses are received in all of our 18 schools. Business owners understand the need for quality schools, which produce graduates who will return to the Southside, purchase a home and become productive citizens.
Every day that school is in session there are examples of local businesses participating in your schools. Their support helps us to make the difference between just being another public school district and being an A district. We live in a day and time when these partnerships are vital to provide our students with adequate facilities and the classroom space that will meet the needs of our growing student population.
As you may know, the Perry Township School Board has approved an outdoor facilities restoration project for Perry Meridian High. The project will take place in two phases. The first involves improvements on the infrastructure of the grounds on the south side of the school surrounding the tennis courts and practice field. An extensive drainage project will be undertaken to keep the area from flooding so that classes, the band and athletics can safely utilize the space. Field lighting and track resurfacing will also take place.
Three years ago the Ray Skillman Auto Group pledged to fund the renovation of the football field at Perry Stadium. This generous donation made it possible to install a surface that is resilient, easy to maintain and never needs water.
During the board meeting Monday night, the board accepted an additional pledge of $1 million to install a synthetic surface on Perry’s football field.
The dream of Perry Meridian football players eventually playing their home games at home on a field that can also be used for band competitions and other events is one step closer. This facility will generate revenue for the athletic, music and other departments.
The generosity of the Skillman family is simply phenomenal. Whenever I have a conversation with either Mr. Skillman or his leadership team, there is always a strong emphasis on meeting the needs of kids in our community. He typically makes the statement that this community has blessed him and he in turn wants to return back to the community.
We are working with several other corporate donors to pay for phase two of the project, during which locker rooms, rest rooms and concession stands will be erected. Our goal is to develop this renovation project with the majority of financial support from donated funding.
If you or your company are fortunate enough to be able to give back to the district, please feel free to contact us. No contribution is too small to make a difference in the lives of our students.