Meet Mr. David Mrad! He is originally from St. Louis, but moved to Springfield in 1982 and worked for 25 years for the Bureau of the Prisons as a forensic psychologist. He also taught at Drury University, Missouri State University, and Forest Institute for several years. His wife, Nova, was a teacher for 40 years, the last half of that in SPS and Central High School before retiring.
David became involved with the FSPS while establishing a scholarship a couple years ago for Central High School students in honor of Nova, who loved her students there. “Nova passed away two years ago from ALS. I appreciated the way Natalie worked so quickly with me to establish the scholarship in time for Nova to be aware of it. She was so proud of it. That began my association with the Foundation, and I was honored when asked to be on the board.” said David.
David is looking forward to serve on the FSPS board of directors because he has seen first hand the dedication educators invest in their students. “Having been married to a very dedicated teacher, I am aware of the commitment teachers have to helping their students in so many ways beyond academics. I look forward to helping with the Back to School Grants to assist and reward them in their creative efforts to help their students.”
He also believes that public education is fundamental to the strength and future of every community. “I think it’s critical for the community to support SPS, because public education is fundamental to the strength and future of every community. Realistically, tax-funded education will always face restrictions from the competing demands on limited taxpayer dollars. By supporting the Foundation, we can provide funds to help individual students (scholarships) and innovative teaching (grants) above and beyond what SPS can provide for everyone.”
Welcome David!