Superintendent Dr. Jeni Gotto announced on April 8 that Westminster Public Schools is taking new steps to address funding challenges by securing additional resources and building partnerships.
Gotto said the district is not just managing existing resources but actively acquiring and aligning new funding streams to benefit students, staff, and the wider community. This comes at a time when public education across the country faces significant financial constraints.
In 2024, Westminster Public Schools established an Office of Advancement to lead efforts in finding new sources of funding and forming partnerships. This office works closely with Learning Services, which manages ongoing grant applications, to strengthen ties with government agencies, private organizations, and real-world partners who can help enrich educational programs. The Westminster Public Schools Foundation also plays a role in supporting students and families through these initiatives.
Gotto emphasized that securing these resources requires expertise in relationship building, community involvement, marketing efforts, and persistence in pursuing grants as well as private equity. She noted that grants are highly competitive and being awarded such funds reflects both individual effort and national recognition of the work happening throughout WPS schools.
“When grant makers and private partners evaluate our district, they look beyond ‘good intentions.’ They measure our past accomplishments, our vision for the future, and the integrity of our teams to manage funds in meaningful, measurable ways,” Gotto said. “In short: the excellence of our ‘personalized’ approach has gained recognition.”
Since January 2024, Gotto reported that these collaborative efforts have resulted in multiple new community partnerships, expanded opportunities for students, and more than $3.7 million in non-taxpayer-funded revenue for WPS.
She concluded by inviting anyone aware of relevant grants or partnership opportunities to contact the Office of Advancement.
