Document Lg04OB64kZboYagMm2q5aGd03

05/03/99 MON iS-07 FAX 205 884 2312 ^ffS-AEGIS /O /'-y- /<4 U/^6rf THE ST. CLAIR NEWS-AEGIS Thurid*y. April 29,1999 Pge <f-\ County schools invited to apply for technology funds By RUSSELL HELMS St. Clair Newa-Aepli PELL CITY--State Representative Dave Thomas and Solutia, Inc. announced Monday the creation of a new technology and science education program. The program, funded by Solutia, former ly known as Monsanto, will provide $250,000 annually for three yean to school districts associated with its plant operations in Anniston, Decatur and Foley. Concerning St. Clair County, the new program will consider fund requests from all public city and county school districts in counties surrounding Solutia's Anniston plant. Representative Thomas has been instrumental in assessing needs of school districts in our area. He stat ed that he asked school administra tors and teachers for a wish list of equipment they needed to increase the quality of learning in their schools. The schools responded with requests for software, comput ers, monitors, lab equipment and basic supplies such as beakers and test tubes. Blake Hamilton. Solutia Site Manager in Anniston, stated that it is important that students in Solutia Russell HelmS'Ncws-Aeuis SOLUTIA, INC TEAMS WITH STATE REPRESENTATIVE DAVE THOMAS--Representative Dave Thomas and Steve Bradley announce the creation of a new educational fund for St, Clair County schools. ____ plant areas receive the best educa tion possible. Thomas emphasized that many corporations are looking for ways to involve themselves in state educa tion. He hopes the Solutia program will serve as a model for other pro grams. "From all the teachers 1`vc talked to," he said, "they're ecstatic about the program. School boards and principals are always in need of resources." Proposals should be submitted by June 1 and initial program grants will be made by early summer. . For more information and to apply write: Blake Hamilton, 300 Birmingham Highway, Anniston, Ala. 36201. The phone number is (256) 231-8427. QSW 138551 STLCOPCB4038506