Mercer receives $25,000 grant

By TOM STANKARD

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MERCER, Wis. - For the second consecutive year, Mercer has been recognized as a Department of Public Instruction "Spotlight School."

Last week, Mercer was notified of the honor by DPI State Superintendent Tony Evers.

"I'm pleased to offer the opportunity for the Mercer School to continue sharing successful Spotlight practices across the state, having positive impact on education in Wisconsin," Evers said.

The Mercer School District will receive a $25,000 educational grant. In 2014, Mercer received $50,000.

There 2,218 public schools in Wisconsin. Mercer is one of 10 schools to receive the grant.

As a Spotlight recipient, District Superintendent Erik Torkelson said the school district will host schools from around the state to share "effective practices which result in student achievement."

According to Torkelson, part of the grant must go towards covering travel expenses for other schools to visit Mercer. The remaining funds will be used to support staff professional development, technology acquisition and curriculum updates.

Trough the Spotlight program, Mercer is being recognized for excellence in teaching and learning and leadership and governance.

Torkelson said receiving the grant reflects positively on the the school district and drives the school in the right direction.

"This program and the awards associated with it have brought an increased sense of pride to our entire organization and is the affirmation of our relentless dedication to continuous improvement efforts," he said.