Empowering Educators: GIPS Foundation Invests $4,500 in Staff Advanced Degrees and Leadership
At the Grand Island Public Schools (GIPS) Foundation, the mission extends beyond supporting students—it is also deeply committed to empowering the educators and staff who shape their success. This year, the GIPS Foundation is proud to invest in the continued growth and excellence of the district’s professionals by awarding three Professional Development Grants.
The Foundation has increased the impact of these awards this year, raising each grant from $1,000 to $1,500. A total of $4,500 has been awarded across three grants: the Dr. Eugene Miller Professional Development Grant and two GIPS Foundation Professional Development Grants.
Each $1,500 grant provides funding toward further education or training that supports the applicant’s current role and future goals within Grand Island Public Schools. The two GIPS Foundation Professional Development Grants were made possible thanks to the community's generosity during the 2025 Harvest event, ensuring this annual grant fund will continue to empower staff for years to come.
"Investing in our staff is one of the most direct ways we can impact student success," said Kari Hooker-Leep, Executive Director of the GIPS Foundation. "By increasing these grant awards to $1,500 this year, we are thrilled to provide even greater resources for our educators and administrators to excel in their roles. We are incredibly grateful to our community for making these opportunities possible."
The GIPS Foundation congratulates this year’s recipients and looks forward to seeing how their advanced training will enrich the learning experiences and classrooms of Grand Island Public Schools.
2026 Grant Recipients
Dr. Eugene Miller Professional Development Grant
Lacy Biberos, a 6th-grade math teacher at Barr Middle School, was awarded the 2026 Dr. Eugene Miller Professional Development Grant. Ms. Biberos is pursuing a Master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction at Doane University. Her goal is to complete her advanced degree to become a more reflective, innovative, and impactful educator, using her new knowledge and skills to design engaging, equitable, and effective learning experiences that prepare her students for future success.
GIPS Foundation Professional Development Grant Recipients
Carlos Duran, a science teacher at Grand Island Senior High, will use his GIPS Foundation Professional Development Grant to pursue a Master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction at the University of Nebraska at Kearney (UNK). His goal is to deepen his understanding of advanced curriculum design to introduce real-world connections and innovative strategies into the biology curriculum. Long-term, Mr. Duran aims to step into leadership roles as a Curriculum Lead or Assistant Athletic Director, bridging the gap between academics and extracurriculars to support both teachers and student-athletes holistically.
Chandler Hehnke, a kindergarten teacher at Howard Elementary School, is currently working toward a graduate degree in Educational Leadership at the University of Nebraska at Kearney (UNK). As a member of her school's Building Leadership Team, her goal is to use this advanced education to collaborate on school improvement initiatives and expand resources for students at her Title I school. Ultimately, Ms. Hehnke aims to grow as an instructional leader to foster lifelong learners and ensure all students have the opportunity to succeed.
These three educators represent the passion, commitment, and drive for excellence that defines Grand Island Public Schools. By supporting their learning goals, the GIPS Foundation is not only investing in individual careers but also in the future of our classrooms and communities.
Learn more about our Professional Development Grants at gipsfoundation.org and help us continue to celebrate and support the lifelong learners shaping the next generation.
