DOWNEY -- The Mary R. Stauffer Foundation presented tens of thousands of dollars in teacher and principal grants last week, bringing the foundation’s total contribution to Downey students and schools to $147,200 this year alone.

The latest grants were presented at the Oct. 16 Downey Unified board of education meeting.

The principal grants, given in honor of former DUSD director and longtime Stauffer Foundation board member Linda Kennedy, were given to six Downey principals.

Totaling $58,275, this is the third year principal grants have been available to Downey Unified principals, focusing on the middle and high school level principals this year.

“We cannot thank the Mary R. Stauffer Foundation enough for the outpouring of continuous support to our staff and students,” expressed Downey Unified Board President Barbara Samperi. “For the last 18 years, Downey Unified has been fortunate to receive these annual grants from the Stauffer Foundation, which has aided our teachers and principals in expanding program offerings to better prepare students for success in their respective college and career endeavors.”


Rotating grade levels each year, this year’s Stauffer Foundation teacher grants focused on the elementary school level with 13 teachers selected for the grant.

Totaling $30,875, these grants will provide funding for new innovative and creative projects, and renewals of existing successful programs that require additional funding for maintenance, expansion and enhancement.


In addition to these grants, the Stauffer Foundation also renewed the programs provided to Downey Unified students through partnerships with the Autry Museum and the Columbia Memorial Space Center. These districtwide grants totaled $58,050.

A combined total of $147,200 will be provided to Downey Unified students this school year alone by the Stauffer Foundation to expand their educational opportunities through both grants and program offerings.

The foundation is funded by philanthropist Dr. Mary Stauffer.