From NORTHWESTERN WATER AND SEWER DISTRICT
The Northwestern Water and Sewer District recently awarded grant funding to Otsego Local Schools to support educational programs focused on water resources. The Water And Environment Teacher Education Resources (WATER) grants give back to local schools by providing direct financial support to teachers demonstrating a commitment to nurturing the next generation of environmental stewards.
The district recently awarded two WATER grants totaling $1,400 to Otsego educators. These grants aim to enhance water-focused educational initiatives and foster environmental stewardship among students.
The recipients and their projects are as follows:
- Otsego Junior High and High School intervention specialist Erin Gall will use $700 to support the Clean Water, Healthy Habits project. The funding will purchase a sink for classroom instruction for students with disabilities. The program is designed to increase student independence, improve health and safety practices, and build job readiness.
- Kirstina Roberts, an art instructor at Otsego Elementary School, will receive $700 to purchase materials for an art class led by artist Michael Albert, where students will learn about water conservation while repurposing cardboard in a creative project about reducing waste and using resources wisely.
In 2026, the district will provide $9,150 to five local school districts: Bowling Green Christian Academy, Eastwood, Elmwood, Otsego, and Rossford. The WATER grant program enables teachers to develop hands-on water quality research projects, purchase scientific equipment, create immersive learning experiences, and encourage student engagement with water-related environmental sciences.
Launched in 2014, the WATER grant program reflects The District’s mission of responsible environmental stewardship and responsive public service. By investing directly in classroom resources, the program aims to bridge scientific knowledge with environmental understanding.
