By Jeff Devine, Dale County Chronicle
Officials gathered at Ozark City Hall on Monday as Southeast Gas presented donations to local school systems as part of the company’s annual Give Back to Schools initiative.
Ozark Mayor Charles Ward joined Southeast Gas representative Will Bumpers, along with Ozark City Schools Superintendent Reeivice Girtman and Dale County Schools Superintendent Ben Baker during the ceremony, which highlighted the company’s continued investment in local education.
As part of the 2026 initiative, Ozark City Schools received $6,029, while Dale County Schools received $2,004. The funds are distributed annually by Southeast Gas based on each school system’s natural gas usage and are intended to support educational resources and opportunities for students.
Since launching the Give Back to Schools program in 2010, Southeast Gas has reinvested more than $2 million into public school systems throughout the region. According to an announcement from the company, the initiative reflects the company’s broader commitment to strengthening communities by supporting education and helping develop the future workforce.
Ward expressed appreciation for the partnership, noting that investments in local schools help build long-term success for the community. He said collaborations between businesses and school leaders ensure that funds are used in ways that best benefit students and educators.
In a statement, Ozark City Schools also thanked the company for its continued support.
“We’re grateful to Southeast Gas for their continued support of Ozark City Schools,” the system said. “As part of the 2026 Give Back to Schools initiative, OCS received $6,029 to support our students and educational resources. Special thanks to Mayor Charles R. Ward for celebrating this investment in our classrooms.”
Superintendent Ben Baker also expressed appreciation for the contribution and its impact on local students.
“We are grateful for the continued support of Southeast Gas,” Baker said. “This year’s generous contribution will be used to buy materials and supplies at Bridge Academy. We are thankful for our community partners investing back in our students.” Bridge Academy is the campus that offers dual enrollment courses to students of Dale County Schools.
City officials also expressed gratitude to Southeast Gas for its ongoing dedication to education and community enrichment, noting that the company’s contributions help local students thrive.
