By Marisa Dawson, Graphic courtesy of BPSF
In a year marked by adaptation and growth, the Bennington Public Schools (BPS) Foundation has released its 2024-2025 Annual Impact Report, embracing the theme of “navigation” to illustrate how the organization steered through challenges to deliver tangible benefits for students, staff, and the broader community. Executive Director Blake Thompson likens the Foundation’s journey to a GPS rerouting during a drive– sometimes confusing, but ultimately leading to better destinations.
“This year, we’ve recalibrated around the evolving needs of our schools,” Thompson writes in the report’s opening letter. “With every adjustment, we grow more intentional, focused, and aligned with our mission to support Bennington Public Schools.” The report, themed “Charting the Course…Together!”, highlights how community partnerships turned potential roadblocks into opportunities, resulting in over $434,000 in direct programming impact.
The Foundation raised a total of $147,956 through a mix of events, general donations, and pass-through contributions. Breaking it down:
– Events brought in $58,639, fueled by community gatherings that not only generated revenue but also raised awareness.
– General donations totaled $11,608.
– Pass-through funds, often directed to specific initiatives, added $77,709.
These dollars were channeled into three key areas of impact: Student Success ($88,610), Staff Success ($81,368), and Future Success ($264,555). Notably, revenue from the All Star Kids Before & After School Program covered operational expenses, ensuring that raised funds went straight to programming. “It’s about maximizing every dollar for our kids and educators,” Thompson emphasized.
The report’s “Impact Snapshot” paints a vivid picture of how these investments translated into action during the 2024-2025 school year. Highlights include:
– 48 teachers receiving tuition reimbursement to advance their professional development.
– 24 classroom grants awarded, enabling innovative projects like Calm Strips at Pine Creek Elementary. Fourth-grade teacher Marshall Keough used the grant to provide tactile tools that helped nearly 100 students manage energy, focus, and social-emotional needs – a simple yet powerful boost for diverse learners.
– 20 students having their basic needs met through the Student Needs Fund, allowing them to thrive without barriers.
– 8 one-time projects funded, from author visits and field trips to expanding the robotics club.
One standout story comes from Bennington Middle School, where 7th-grade teacher Lindsey Wilson leveraged a grant for Martian soil kits. Students designed experiments comparing Earth’s ecosystems to Mars, honing critical thinking, collaboration, and scientific inquiry skills. It “brought real-world science to life,” the report notes.
At the high school level, the Foundation’s AP Test Reimbursement program covered half the cost (about $11,000) for 244 exams, removing financial hurdles. This initiative propelled graduates like Baylor Detjens, who entered Syracuse University as a sophomore in 2025.
Perhaps most heartwarming: Lunch debt was wiped clean for 298 students, erasing $13,273.84 thanks to $8,920 from 62 donors and the Student Needs Fund. “All students started the new school year with zero lunch debt,” the report celebrates.
Creative endeavors shone too. English teacher Ben Tompkins, connected with donor Connie Wickham via the Foundation, launched the Inkwell Short Story Contest, inspiring a new writing club. Meanwhile, Highly Able Learners (HAL) students at both middle schools produced 28 podcasts using grant-funded equipment, building 21st-century skills like communication and technology.
Infrastructure got a lift as well: Alumni donations and project funding installed a permanent scoreboard at Bennington South Middle School, enhancing athletics and school spirit for years to come.
Events were a cornerstone, blending fun with fundraising. The 2nd Annual Alumni Homecoming Tailgate drew 102 alumni for reconnections, free game admission, and apparel giveaways. The Trifecta Game Night raised $4,142 through puzzles and chaos, while the “Sock Hop N Swing” Annual Gala – presented by sponsors like Darrell & Coe Leta Logemann and Terry McGill Inc. – netted $52,524 with over 300 attendees.
New this year: A refreshed Senior Academic Ceremony and Local Scholarship Brunch, where donors met recipients face-to-face. The Triple B Community Race, led by Board Vice President Kim Rohe and presented by Thrasher Foundation Repair, attracted 142 participants (up from 99) and raised $1,973.
Looking ahead, mark your calendars: Trifecta Game Night (Jan. 16-17), Annual Gala (March 14), Scholarship Brunch (April 26), Triple B Race (June 6 during Bennington Daze), and the first All-Class Alumni Reunion (Sept. 27).
A major highlight is the emphasis on planned giving. The report spotlights a transformative $2 million endowment from Darrell and Coe Leta Logemann, supporting senior scholarships and staff professional development. “Their generosity ensures continued investment in our students and educators,” Thompson says. Other legacy gifts include the Lee & Kathy Bunz Family Endowed Senior Scholarships and memorials for Gene Baldwin, Jeff Glover, Dave Clark, and Larry Saunders.
“Every planned gift helps shape a stronger future,” the report urges. An info meeting is slated for Spring 2026. Contact Thompson at 531.329.3710 or bthompson@bennps.org to learn more.
The Foundation thanks its 358 donors, with shoutouts to major supporters like the Logemanns, Dr. Chris & Sheryl Cornett, and businesses including Union Bank & Trust, Thrasher Foundation Repair, and Conagra.
As Bennington continues to grow, the BPS Foundation stands as a vital partner, navigating uncertainties with community trust. With $154,000 in scholarships awarded to 154 seniors and countless lives touched, the report underscores a simple truth: Together, we’re charting a brighter path for BPS.
For the full report or to get involved, visit BenningtonSchoolsFoundation.org. As Thompson concludes, “Here’s to exploring new journeys together!”
