Kraus-Anderson director earns award from local school district

Gary Benson, director of project planning and development with Minneapolis’ Kraus-Anderson, has been named Outstanding Benefactor by the Northeast Metro 916 Intermediate School District Education Foundation.

The award recognizes Benson for his contributions to the foundation and the school district. Most notably, he has obtained more than $50,000 in donations to the foundation in the past eight years.

The 916 Education Foundation is a nonprofit organization that helps the students, teachers and member districts of Northeast Metro 916 excel in programs that are not funded by public tax revenues. The foundation has supported the district for more than 25 years, and during the last five years has awarded more than $500,000 in scholarships and grants for students and teachers.

Benson has served on the foundation’s board since 1995 and has held numerous leadership positions including board president.

Benson is the vice chair of the board of the Minnesota Higher Education Facilities Authority and is a member of the Minnesota Association of School Administrators, Minnesota Association of School Business Officials and Minnesota School Boards Association.