The Bay Education Foundation celebrated the expansion of its Teacher Resource Store on Monday, marking a significant investment in Bay District Schools educators. During the 2026–2027 school year, every Bay District Schools teacher will have the opportunity to shop at the store at least once for free classroom supplies, helping reduce out-of-pocket expenses while ensuring classrooms have the resources students need to succeed.

The Teacher Resource Store, located at Rutherford High School, has traditionally served new teachers and educators working at Title I and C-rated schools. Thanks to increased community investment and several generous grants, the Bay Education Foundation has expanded access so that every Bay District Schools teacher can benefit from the program this school year.

"We are absolutely thrilled to be able to offer all teachers the opportunity to use the Teacher Resource Store this year," said Aimee Bright, Executive Director of the Bay Education Foundation. "Teachers give so much of their own time, and often their own money, to create classrooms where students can thrive. Expanding the store means we can support more teachers and ultimately impact more students in Bay County."

During Monday's reopening celebration, representatives from the St. Joe Community Foundation presented a ceremonial check recognizing the organization's investment in the expansion of the Teacher Resource Store. The expansion was also made possible through the generous support of the School District Education Foundation Matching Grant Program, Community Services Foundation, First Federal Bank Foundation, United Way of Northwest Florida, the Consortium of Florida Education Foundations, and additional community partners committed to supporting public education.

The Bay Education Foundation, the direct-support organization for Bay District Schools, has served Bay County since 1989 by building community partnerships and investing in programs that enhance educational opportunities for students and teachers. The Teacher Resource Store is one of many initiatives that helps ensure educators have the tools they need to create engaging learning environments while easing the financial burden of purchasing classroom supplies.