The district announced this week that National Gypsum has donated $40,000 to upgrade the middle school Industrial Technology program for the 2025-26 school year.

The funds, which were contributed equally from the Quarry Plant and the Gold Bond Plant, will help modernize the Industrial Tech space at the school, helping to support Manufacturing, Robotics, Engineering and Building and Trades.

The Quarry Plant is led by David Gollob; the Gold Bond Plant is led by Mark Dyer.

A newly hired industry-trained teacher, Chris Grady, will help deliver hands-on, real-world learning, according to a press release from the school about the donation.

“This donation is going to transform what we can offer students at the middle school level,” said FDCSD Superintendent Josh Porter. “Hands-on STEM and CTE learning opens doors for students. By giving them early exposure to robotics, engineering, manufacturing, and the trades, we’re helping them build confidence, discover their strengths, and explore high-demand career pathways long before they reach high school.”

The donation follows a previous contribution from National Gypsum for $35,000 in 2024 to create the school’s Health Occupations lab, which helps provide students with hands-on experiences to prepare them for potential careers in health care and foster an interest in science, technology, engineering art and math.

“This partnership with National Gypsum is incredibly meaningful,” Porter added. “Their continued commitment shows how much they value the future of our students and our community.

“Their investment isn’t just improving a classroom and lab space, it’s expanding opportunities and shaping future career pathways for our kids.”

Last year, National Gypsum’s Giving Tuesday initiative donated $1 million to 42 schools and non-profits in the United States and Canada.