SPS kicks off MVP campaign nominating favorite educators and employees, funds will support special education students

Yahoo

04-04-2025

The Stillwater Public Education Foundation launched the '2025 Most Valuable Pioneer Campaign' to honor Stillwater Public Schools teachers and staff and support students with special needs, according to an SPS news release Thursday.
Funds will directly support the SPS' Special Services program, 'ensuring that all students at Stillwater Public Schools receive the care and attention they deserve,' according to the release.
The initiative is sponsored by Oklahoma Community Credit Union, and anyone in the district or in the community may nominate any SPS teacher or employee 'who has made a lasting impact in the classroom and beyond.'
Nominations are open now and will run through April 25.
To nominate a favorite SPS teacher or employee as MVP, donors may visit spef.stillwaterschools.com and select a nominee. Nominations cost $25, or $100 for five nominees.
The SPEF Allocation Committee will select MVP winners, who will be awarded at the districtwide Teacher of the Year celebration on Friday, May 2.
'Stillwater Public Schools take great pride in offering top-notch special education services to children ages three through (22),' said Austin Hula, SPS assistant special services director, in a statement. 'The history of excellent education for all students, including those with disabilities runs deep in our district.'
But the cost of providing these services 'continues to increase at an alarming rate,' he said.
The equipment required for students with unique medical and/or physical limitations is expensive, and the district purchases all necessary equipment, regardless of the cost, as needed for students to learn and grow.
'One piece of equipment can easily cost in excess of $5,000, and sometimes must be updated due to growing bodies,' Hula said. 'Along with an increase in operational cost, the number of certified special education teachers is decreasing across the state.'
To better support the current SPS staff, as well as supporting new staff in the district, Hula said SPS is expanding its mentorship program.
'These mentors are able to work beside our certified special education staff, providing assistance with instructional delivery, classroom management, and the legal documentation that is required in special education,' Hula said. 'These mentors are a pivotal component in the success of our certified special education staff, and we are excited to grow in this area.'
Special education is partly funded through the Individuals with Disabilities Act, Hula said, but the funds from IDEA cover less than 20% of the cost for the district. The remaining cost is covered by the district's General Fund.
'Our partnership with SPEF is such an important one,' Hula said. 'We deeply appreciate any and all financial assistance we can receive to help us continue to provide the best possible education to our most vulnerable student population.'
SPEF Executive Director Emily Lewis said the MVP campaign provides an opportunity for the community to celebrate teachers while making a difference for students with the most needs.
'We hope that this campaign will not only highlight the incredible work of Stillwater teachers and staff but also provide essential funding to Special Services programs that help our students thrive,' Lewis said in a statement.
Lewis thanked SPEF's title sponsor, Oklahoma Community Credit Union, presenting sponsor, Mayes Contracting and community sponsors 4KidzSake.org, C-Star Property Management, Central Rural Electric Cooperative and Lucas Grounds – State Farm for their support.
'They make this program possible,' Lewis said.
To find more information about the campaign, visit spef.stillwaterschools.com.