Water quality is rising to the forefront of community concerns, especially as schools across the nation strive to provide safer environments for their students. One vibrant example of this is Evart Public Schools, which has recently secured more than $106,000 to upgrade its water facilities with the installation of filtered water stations.
The state initiative behind this grant, known as the Filter First program, aims to improve water access and quality within schools by assisting them with the purchase and installation of modern filtration systems. This movement is not isolated; it's part of a broader trend where institutions reconsider long-standing norms around water delivery—especially following concerns raised during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Superintendent Daniel Boyer proudly announced the grant at the Evart Board of Education meeting, emphasizing the positive effect it will have on students' hydration habits and health. Given evidence pointing to health challenges stemming from contaminated water sources, schools like Evart are paying more attention to the state of their drinking water.
The district plans to utilize these funds to install 15 new filtered bottle fill water coolers, ensuring every water fountain is equipped for the health-conscious students of today. Boyer spoke of the need he witnessed firsthand, saying, “It spoke to me as I walked around the district and saw the need for more water fountains with filters.” This reflects the district's commitment not only to the financial aspect but unequivocally to the overall welfare of its students.
Remarkably, the way this grant came together exemplifies teamwork at its best. Business manager Dawn Rueffer, transportation and maintenance director Bart Gallinger, and middle school principal Jason O’Dell sprang to action as soon as they learned about the opportunity. “Our business manager got hold of me and said, ‘Hey, there’s this grant out there,’” Gallinger recalled. With just days to strategize and submit their proposal, the urgency propelled the team to seek the high-quality filling stations they wanted for their schools.
O’Dell, responsible for writing the grant application, credited the group's combined efforts saying, “It was a team approach.” Their collaboration resulted not only in receiving the full amount requested but also secured high-end facilities to replace outdated models. Each newly acquired filter, which costs about $70, will vastly improve the water quality accessible to students and encourage healthier hydration habits.
Notably, the district faces significant upgrades since approximately 40% of the fountains currently remain from the old style—fountains without filters. Gallinger noted, “We chose to just cap them off until we could get them replaced,” reflecting their commitment to student safety over mere convenience.
The new installations will provide more than just safe drinking water; they will make hydration easier and more accessible. With new filling stations throughout schools, students can quickly refill their water bottles between classes. O’Dell mentioned, “This will allow for greater access to continually have fresh, filtered water.” He highlighted the convenience factor, indicating how the new systems will save time for students racing against the bell.
The groundwork for this initiative not only improves water quality but promises long-term savings for the district. Schools nationwide are recognizing the financial benefits tied to preventive health measures, where investing early could reduce future costs related to health concerns or facility repairs.
Collaboratively working on such projects has strengthened the bonds among school staff. Rueffer elaborated on the positive working dynamic among her colleagues, saying, “I’ve been here a little over a year, and I think we all work really well together.” That camaraderie, coupled with their passion for improving student health, undoubtedly played a major role in successfully securing funding for these necessary upgrades.
With so many benefits stemming from this initiative, it's clear the installation of water filters and filling stations serves more than just drinking water—it's about fostering healthier habits among students, promoting wellbeing, and investing wisely for the future. Efforts like those at Evart Public Schools usher the beginning of lasting change, shaping how educational institutions perceive and incorporate health and hydration moving forward.
