THE COUNCIL BLUFFS SCHOOLS FOUNDATION LAUNCES THE TEACHER CLOSET AHEAD OF THE UPCOMING COMMUNITY IMPACT CAMPAIGN
The Council Bluffs Schools Foundation is excited to announce a new initiative inspired directly by conversations with teachers across the district: the Teacher Closet.
Through ongoing dialogue, teachers consistently share that a small set of everyday classroom items can make a meaningful difference, helping classrooms run more smoothly, supporting diverse learners, and creating engaging learning environments for students.
“Teachers give so much of themselves to their students every day, often reaching into their own pockets for their classrooms,” said Lonny Kolln, Board President of the Council Bluffs Schools Foundation. “The Teacher Closet is our way of showing up for them. Thanks to the generosity of our donors and partners, this initiative will remove the financial barriers, easing stress, and surrounding our educators with community support so they can focus on what matters most: their students.”
The Teacher Closet will officially open in August 2026 and will provide highly-requested classroom essentials at no cost to any teacher in the district including:
Handheld whiteboards for small-group learning
Headphones for students
Fidget tools and sensory supports
Storage tubs and classroom organizers
The community has already begun to rally around the Teacher Closet, with individuals and organizations stepping forward to donate supplies to help stock the space ahead of its opening. Christine Phillips Versaw, one of the contributors to the closet, said “As a graduate of the Council Bluffs Community School District, I am very proud of the education children are receiving here. Bob and I support that by giving supplies and monetary donations to the Teacher Closet so that teachers have a free resource of supplies to use in their classrooms.”
This new initiative will be a featured area of support during the Foundation’s Community Impact Campaign, happening February 1 through the 28th.
During the Community Impact Campaign, supporters can make an impact by giving to either the Foundation’s Annual Grants Program, which funds classroom projects and opportunities across the Council Bluffs Community School District, or by supporting the Teacher Closet, ensuring educators have quick access to essential classroom supplies.
To learn more about the Community Impact Campaign or explore areas of giving, visit cbsf.org.
For additional information, please contact the Council Bluffs Schools Foundation at 712-322-8800.
