Seven principals awarded ,000 each for their schools, showcasing their innovative dream projects.

Each year, the Lindback Foundation recognizes exceptional leaders in the Philadelphia School District with prizes for Distinguished Principal Leadership. This initiative not only highlights the commitment of educational leaders but also provides them with the opportunity to enhance their schools significantly, with each awarded principal receiving a ,000 grant for their respective institutions. The following is an overview of how the recipients for 2025 plan to utilize these funds to foster growth and development in their schools.

KaTiedra Argro, principal of the Philadelphia High School for Girls, intends to allocate the bulk of her award towards establishing a Positive Behavior Interventions and Support (PBIS) room. This initiative will allow students to utilize earned PBIS points for access to this sanctuary, designed to promote mental well-being through trauma-informed materials. Additionally, Argro plans to use a portion of the funds to facilitate field trips, enhancing experiential learning opportunities for her students.

At Casarez Elementary School, Awilda Balbuena aims to use her Lindback funds for a community-building outdoor trip, as the school’s historic building lacks an auditorium or a gymnasium. The proposed trip is designed to foster teamwork and communication among students, which is essential for their social development. Without the financial support from Lindback, such an initiative would be financially unfeasible, emphasizing the transformative impact these funds can have.

Melissa Bragg of Hancock Elementary School plans to introduce language labs designed to aid English language learners, including those who are deaf or hard of hearing. The funds will support sophisticated instructional technology, bilingual materials, and training for staff, ensuring that the school’s diverse student population receives the best resources for language acquisition.

Paula Furman, principal of AMY at James Martin, seeks to enhance arts-based experiences for her students through trips to cultural institutions such as the Philadelphia Ballet and Philadanco. Furthermore, the funding will support community engagement initiatives, including events aimed at fostering a sense of connection among families.

In a similar vein, William Lawrence of John Marshall Elementary School plans to use his award to integrate modern resources that encourage innovative teaching methods. His vision includes programs centered on academic enrichment, social-emotional learning, and community collaboration, emphasizing the importance of family involvement in education.

Nichole Polk from Potter-Thomas Elementary intends to expand opportunities in career and technical education by broadening access to digital media and robotics programs for multiple grade levels. This initiative seeks to ensure that students develop essential skills in problem-solving and engineering, bridging the gap across various age groups.

Lastly, Marla Travis of West Philadelphia High plans to improve graduation pathways by enhancing Career and Technical Education programs. Travis’s plans include building a state-of-the-art recording studio, enriching the school’s Fine Arts and Business pathways, and creating unique collaboration opportunities with local middle schools and universities.

The awards from the Lindback Foundation represent not only a financial contribution but a commitment to fostering educational excellence within the Philadelphia School District. As these leaders implement their innovative plans, they are poised to create lasting positive changes, enhancing the academic experience and opportunities available to their students.