“We believe that every child deserves a quality education, and we recognize the local public school system is in need of support. In keeping with our organization’s commitment to social and environmental improvement, Iluka will be providing the groundwork for the Adopt-A-School program as the charter business partner,” said Matthew Blackwell, Iluka’s US president. Iluka’s Adopt-A-School program was partially developed in response to budgetary shortfalls.
In a statement released on July 25, 2013 by State Superintendent June Atkinson regarding the proposed budget and its effect on public schools, Atkinson stated, “This budget fails to provide resources for textbooks, instructional supplies and technology that our schools desperately need to remain up-to-date, especially as our student population grows.” Iluka will initially partner with two local schools, Aurelian Springs Elementary School and Northwest Halifax High School.
Iluka has developed this Adopt-A-School program modeled after successful programs in Tuscaloosa County, Alabama and Cobb County, Georgia which have been enhancing their local school systems for more than 20 years. Business partners that adopt schools will engage in a variety of projects with the students including but not limited to: academic enrichment, career awareness and cultural enrichment.
Partners can also sponsor student incentives to motivate and reward students’ accomplishments, assist with improving the school environment by donating equipment, assisting with landscaping and participating in school clean-up days, and support the faculty with teacher recognition events.
Each partnership between businesses and schools will be unique, with the goals and deliverables based on the needs of the school and the resources of the business partner.
Halifax School Superintendent Elease Fredrick said, “We are very happy that Iluka is taking the lead to establish this program. This program has a proven track-record for success in raising student achievement and motivating students to succeed. We look forward to this ongoing partnership with Iluka and hope it will expand and grow over time to help our students raise their expectations and their determination to succeed in all that they attempt, both in school and out of school."
Iluka plans to unveil the new Adopt-A-School program on Thursday to the local business leaders at the State of the Community luncheon sponsored by the Roanoke Valley Chamber of Commerce. Iluka is the second largest producer of titanium minerals and the world’s largest producer of zircon.
The company has been working with land owners in Aurelian Springs to determine the economic feasibility of establishing surface mining operations in that area. Iluka has been mining in the Concord area of Dinwiddie and Sussex County, Virginia since 1998 and the Brink area of nearby Greensville County, Virginia since 2009.
Titanium is used predominately in paint, but is commonly associated with products like golf clubs, airplanes, and medical applications like artificial joints, pacemakers, and braces.
