By GRAHAM BROOKS / Staff Writer

HELENA–Schools throughout Helena just got some financial help to use at their discretion thanks to donations made from the Helena City Council.

The Helena City Council donated a total of $96,000 to be split among Helena Elementary School, Helena Intermediate School, Helena Middle School and Helena High School at the April 23 council meeting.

The funds were made possible because of the surplus available in the 1-cent tax fund as the elementary, intermediate and middle schools received $17,000 a piece as Helena High School and the HHS band received the remaining donations.

Those accepting the checks were Helena Elementary School Principal Jeff Norris, Helena Intermediate Principal Kathy Paiml, Helena Middle School Principal Andrew Gunn and Helena High School Principal April Brand.

Helena Mayor Mark Hall requested the surplus funds be donated back to the schools and be used for educational purposes. This helps schools pay for a variety of things that go unfunded through the Shelby County Board of Education.

“Every year we look at those funds and after making our payments on the bond issue and completing other projects we’re obligated to do, we will then give back,” Hall said. “We know that as our schools go, so does our city so it’s very important that we support the schools because it lowers our crime rate, helps employment and adds activities that are wholesome and good for our town. So as long as our schools are up in that top tier and we can help monetarily we’re going to do it.”