District 81 Gets $1 Million Gift From Spokane Family To Be Used For Technology Programs

Sat., May 6, 2000

By Wendy Harris wendyh@spokesman.com

A Spokane family has once again extended its generosity and commitment to education in the region.

Bernard and Marsha Daines have donated $1 million to Spokane School District 81, which follows their $1 million donation to Gonzaga University announced this week.

“It’s an incredibly generous gift that will make a difference,” District 81 Superintendent Gary Livingston said. “I think it’s wonderful to have benefactors in our community who are willing to give back to the community.”

Livingston said the money will be used toward technology infrastructure and technology programs for students.

Bernard Daines, a Spokane entrepreneur and business leader, launched two new technology companies last year, including World Wide Packets and Webiness. He also founded Packet Engines in 1994, which helped develop the Gigabit Ethernet technology. The company was purchased in 1998 by Paris-based Alcatel for $325 million.

Also this week, District 81 found out it will receive a $16.5 million grant from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.

The district will use the money to enhance its efforts to improve teaching and learning and become a national model for high student achievement.

Bernard Daines could not be reached for comment Friday.

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