For the past 20 years, Educational Research Institute (ERI) has assisted over 250 clients in accessing funds for future growth and development. In the midst of the pandemic, the Research Institute continues to be of service as grant consultants to help secure and implement state and federal funding for schools and charters primarily.
ERI is excited to highlight Santa Rosa ISD’s Superintendent, Dr. Angela Gonzalez, and how hard she has been working to ensure that her district succeeds.
Being in education for the past 30 years, 20 of which were spent in the Valley, Gonzalez knows what all goes into a successful academic year. The superintendent at Santa Rosa ISD, Gonzalez shares the impact ERI has had on the district as a whole this year alone. In addition to the recurring state and federal funding granted to public schools, ERI has secured funding in the various other areas that contribute to instructional growth and development.
“ERI has been very thorough,” Gonzalez said. “Not only do they help us find grants, but they take the time to learn about our programs, objectives, and goals as well as identify areas of improvement.”
With the recently acquired grants, Gonzalez hopes to continue to improve the quality of education Santa Rosa ISD provides its students. In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, the district was forced to look into modifications in the technology department. The Technology Lending Grant they secured ensures each of her students have the necessary technology at home to work on school assignments. With this grant, every student now has access to a technology device.
“This is something our students were already needing,” Gonzalez said. “We are in the 21st century — COVID just gave us the push we needed to act.”
In addition to providing each student with a device to work from, Gonzalez is excited that they have been able to add more security systems in place and an intranet network that extends beyond the inside of the building.
The Safety and Security Grant she helped Santa Rosa ISD secure ensures each campus in the Santa Rosa district has the right equipment for student safety.
“Security is everything — we added more cameras in partnership with Santa Rosa Police Department — more antennas, and new radios for the building,” Gonzalez said.
For those students who may not have access to the internet at home, they are able to come park outside and get their work done.
Another grant that was locked in is the CTE Perkins Reserve Grant, which helps ensure that high school students have programs that align with state-identified high-skill, high-wage, and in-demand occupations.
With the constant updates and changes as coronavirus continues to threaten the academic system, Gonzalez is grateful for a supportive team of administrative staff and the unconditional support from the board of trustees.
“Nobody can do anything on their own,” she said. “Having an amazing administrative staff and the unconditional support of our board of trustees have been a key element in this.”
