School District of Janesville Thanks Community for Partnership in the Bridges Festival and Summer International Education Institute

The School District of Janesville’s Summer Institute Program ended this year on July 21, 2014.  The total gross revenue collected was $309,200. Revenue came in through fees from International students who paid up to $2400 each and Janesville students, along with surrounding area students, who paid up to $100 each or received a scholarship to attend. These dollars were used in the Janesville community in a variety of ways.

The School District of Janesville strongly believes in partnering with and supporting the Janesville community.  SDJ partnered with several local businesses to provide meals, enrichment activities, and transportation for the students during the institute. 

The School District of Janesville’s Food Service Department, along with Janesville restaurants such as the Cozy Inn, Prime Time Pizza, Mac’s Pizza, Italian House, and St. Mary’s Cafeteria netted over $15,000 providing meals for the students.  Over $40,000 was spent at the Baymont Hotel and $22,000 was spent on advertising, printing, and signage from local companies. $20,000 was also spent with Van Galder Bus Company on transportation.  The revenue from the District also provided scholarships to Janesville students. Community members were employed along with Janesville area teachers for an extra six weeks this summer.

Dr. Karen Schulte, Superintendent of Schools, stated, “This is a great opportunity for the students in the School District of Janesville and surrounding communities to participate in an international experience right inside their own community.  Two more opportunities are coming up for them in the very near future.  The International Water Ski Competition occurs on the weekend of September 12 and Irish Fest occurs on October 3-5.  Our students are fortunate to live in a community that offers a variety of international experiences.  I am proud of the fact that the School District of Janesville provides our students with a Global Education and also able to put dollars back into our community.”  We were able to showcase many of the businesses in the city. I am proud of the way our business community partnered with us to make this institute a success.”

Overall, the staff and students from China were very impressed with the district and the city of Janesville.  As the district continues to focus on “Educational Excellence” for all students, it is imperative to foster educational partnerships with other countries.