News Talk 94.1/AM 1600 Where The Upper Cumberland Talks
Putnam Education Partnership Foundation Board has appointed its first-ever executive director.
Katelyn Steakley will lead the organization that provides essential needs for classrooms. Steakley said she will focus on building community relationships and fundraising to grow its mission.
“I’m extremely excited,” Steakley said. “After I got involved in different community aspects over the past few years, I have been looking for a role that I can help meet the needs of children specifically in our community and this role really gives me that opportunity.”
Steakley said the education group needed an executive director to address increasing student needs and guide a new district initiative. Steakley said a new fund has been set up in the non-profit space to support teachers.
“With the increase in need over the past, there’s been more need for external fundraising to happen so that they can help continue to meet the needs of the student here in Putnam County. They also launched a fund to help with teacher appreciation, teacher recruitment.”
Steakley said Putnam Education Partnership was formed in the 1990’s and has served the Putnam School System since 2004. The organization is most recognized for its Backpack Program, which provides weekend care packages for food insecure students.
“Through working the backpack program, they have seen a significant needs increase just in the essential needs of students in the county,” Steakley said. “That can be anything from cleaning supplies all the way to housing assistance or utility assistance.”
