Six diocesan Catholic schools receive FIRE Foundation grants

By RENEE WEBB
Content and Design Coordinator

The FIRE Foundation of Northwest Iowa recently announced that six Catholic schools in the Diocese of Sioux City were awarded major grants to strengthen inclusive education and expand support for students with diverse learning needs.

According to Dr. Ryan Allen, president of the foundation, a combined total of $80,000 was awarded.

“It’s just a testament to how much energy, effort, heart and soul has gone into this effort – not for the five or so years that FIRE has been in existence but for the years leading up to that,” he said. “I’m so grateful, so humbled by what we’ve been able to accomplish together with an all-volunteer base.”

Recipients and initiatives funded by the 2026 major grants include:

• St. Edmond Catholic School, Fort Dodge - $30,000 – Salary support for an inclusive education program coordinator.
• Bishop Heelan Catholic Schools, Sioux City - $25,000 – Salary support for a system-wide director of student services.
• St. Mary’s School, Storm Lake - $17,350 – Paraprofessional salary and resource equipment to expand student support.
• Emmetsburg Catholic School - $3,700 – Salary support for an interventionist providing targeted academic assistance.
• Kuemper Catholic Schools, Carroll - $3,400 – Funding for a paraprofessional to strengthen classroom inclusion.
• St. Rose of Lima School, Denison - $550 – Implementation of the Math Shelf Program to enhance early learning.

The grant application process did reveal “tremendous need,” noted Allen, as they received over $400,000 in requests.

Maury Ruble, 6-12 principal of St. Edmond’s, said during his first year at St. Edmond’s he realized there was a great need for added resources and targeted support for several learners especially those in sixth grade and above as they didn’t have access to IEPs (individual education programs) at that point. With that in mind, he opted to write the grant application with the FIRE Foundation.

“We are very grateful to have been awarded this grant,” said the St. Edmond principal, who added he was surprised by the size of the grant.

Funds will be used to defray the costs of the salary for an inclusive learning support coordinator, which would be the first position of this nature for the school.

“We are also prepared to keep the position in the future,” said Ruble, who noted they are currently advertising for the position that they hope to have in place for the 2026-27 school year.

In addition to this grant, he mentioned that the FIRE Foundation has been a great resource and source of encouragement as they work to promote inclusive education at St. Edmond.

John Flanery, president of Bishop Heelan Catholic Schools, called news of the $25,000 grant “fantastic” and noted this is the fourth consecutive year the school has received generous support from the FIRE Foundation of Northwest Iowa.

“We are blessed by this collaboration,” he said.

Bishop Heelan’s grant will be used to help fund a new position, the director of student services, which will join forces with the school’s other two directors.

“This person will work with our team of directors and resource teachers to provide differentiated instruction for our students,” said Flanery. “This new role will allow us to split the workload so one person doesn’t have to cover six buildings. The new position will also work with general education teachers in providing strategies and assistance within the classroom.”

The Bishop Heelan president said there is a real need to support the workload in this area and this funding shows a commitment to the schools for continued work for inclusive education.

“We are motivated to continue our work because of this partnership,” said Flanery, who noted the school’s student body held a fundraiser early this year that raised nearly $3,000 to support the work of the FIRE Foundation.

Kate Swanson, PK-12 principal of Storm Lake St. Mary’s, said they are thrilled and blessed to receive the support of the FIRE Foundation to help bring a faith-filled learning environment to everyone.

“We are going to use the funds to support technology programs that help with accessibility and more targeted skill development for students at various grade levels who have learning disabilities or other skill development needs,” said the principal.

She pointed out that they do have a 1:1 teacher associate who is currently working to support a young student and these funds will help the school further secure that position to support the student as he advances to the next grade.

“This year is the first year in which we have ever had such a position in place, but we very much see the need and benefits that are coming from it for that student, teacher and the whole classroom environment,” said Swanson.

As the needs continue to grow in the school community, she said they are very thankful for the presence of a group like the FIRE Foundation.

“They are helping us fulfill Christ’s mission and our Catholic school mission in a very real, authentic way,” said Swanson.

The FIRE Foundation of Northwest Iowa, which was officially founded in 2021, is one of 11 affiliate organizations around the country. The initial FIRE Foundation was established in 1996 in the Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph, Missouri.

“All of the FIRE affiliates, not only here in Northwest Iowa, began with parents who have children with disabilities who want to see their kids go to Catholic schools,” said Allen, who stressed they would love to welcome the involvement of parents throughout the diocese. “We always need the talents, treasures and time of individuals in our community so if this is something that speaks to and you want to help the cause, then please reach out to us.”

Through the major grants and micro-grants offered throughout the year, Allen said it helps to ensure that children like his are able to attend Catholic schools. Every dollar raised by the FIRE Foundation of Northwest Iowa goes back to schools to support inclusive education efforts.

For more information about the FIRE Foundation of Northwest Iowa or to support inclusive Catholic education, visit www.firefoundationnwiowa.org or contact [email protected].