St. Cloud School District Expands Ready, Set, School Program to All Elementary Classrooms

(KNSI) — St. Cloud Area School District 742 is expanding its Ready, Set, School program districtwide for the 2026-27 school year, providing classroom supplies for every preschool through fifth-grade classroom and supporting more than 5,000 children ages three to ten.

The expansion follows a community fundraising effort that has raised nearly $130,000.
The program provides classrooms with shared supplies rather than asking individual families to buy them. District officials say the model reduces financial pressure on families and staff.

“We know that many of our families face financial challenges, and for some, purchasing school supplies creates a real burden,” says Laurie Putnam, superintendent of St. Cloud Area School District 742. “When students arrive without the supplies they need, it can affect their sense of confidence and belonging.”

The initiative began as a pilot at Talahi Community School and Quarryview Early Childhood Center during the 2025-26 school year before district leaders decided to expand it.

Founding supporters Tom and Janet Grones, along with the St. Cloud Rotaract Club, helped launch the pilot. The expansion adds a partnership with Greater St. Cloud-based Impacks.

“We are honored to partner with St. Cloud Area School District 742 on an initiative that removes barriers for families, supports teachers, and creates better conditions for student learning,” says Clare Richards, CEO and co-owner of Impacks.

Families can make voluntary contributions to support the program through the Local Education & Activities Foundation.

The district, St. Cloud Rotaract and Impacks will host a community supply-packing event July 30th at Apollo High School. More details will be released in the coming weeks.

Learn more by clicking here.

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