Marianne LaBarge City Councilor | Ward 6 | Northampton, MA

WARD 6

         CITY COUNCILOR

MARIANNE LABARGE
Text Box: For Immediate Release - May 17, 2024   Smith College Pledges $500,000 to Support Northampton Public Schools   NORTHAMPTON – Mayor Gina-Louise Sciarra announces that Smith College has pledged $500,000 to the City of Northampton to be given over two years. This donation will be spread over the next three years to support the Northampton Public Schools (NPS) in advancing its educational mission.   "Smith College's contribution is a welcome support for our schools," said Mayor Sciarra. "While we continue to seek comprehensive solutions to our budgetary challenges, this donation highlights the importance of community partnerships. We will keep working together with Smith to maximize the impact of their giving and find sustainable ways to support our community."   Smith College President Sarah Willie-LeBreton emphasized the college's commitment to the city. "Our decision to offer this support is rooted in our commitment to being good neighbors and responsible community members. We are pleased to contribute $500,000 and look forward to continuing our collaborative efforts with the city."   The funds will be allocated as planned additional operational funding for NPS, with $166,666 designated for each of the next three years. This distribution aims to provide consistent support. Smith has also committed to partnering with the city to support a vibrant Northampton through collaborative efforts.     In recent years, Smith has supported multiple initiatives in Northampton, including purchasing the Community Resilience Hub building, planning and constructing pedestrian safety improvements, and giving $500,000 in 2021 to be used at the mayor’s discretion over three years. Mayor Sciarra directed that unrestricted gift to modernize classroom equipment and computers used by teachers and students and update the Northampton Public Schools’ website.   For more information, please contact the Mayor’s Office at (413) 587-1249 or mayor@northamptonma.gov.    -- Office of Mayor Gina-Louise Sciarra City of Northampton 210 Main Street, Room 12 Northampton MA 01060 413-587-1249 phone 413-587-1275 fax www.northamptonma.gov