Hartman Gift to DSF Will Benefit Students District-Wid

Mike and Chryss Hartman’s generous contribution to the Davenport Schools Foundation (DSF) will have a lasting impact on students across the district, supporting programs and opportunities that will enhance their learning experiences. The couple’s gift is a reflection of their deep love for education, gratitude for the Davenport Schools, and a hopeful vision for the future of students from all walks of life.

A Lifetime of Giving Back

The Hartmans’ journey of supporting education began long before their recent donation. Throughout their careers and life together, they’ve always believed in the importance of giving back to their community, especially to the schools that played such a pivotal role in shaping their lives. Mike, who sold his audiology practice after 42 years in 2024, and Chryss, a retired music teacher from Davenport Schools, have always recognized the value of quality education and the power it has to create opportunities for individuals and communities.

“Our schools need more attention, and if we can help the cause by setting an example, then we are glad to help,” said Mike Hartman. Over the years, the couple made regular contributions to schools and educational programs, believing in the power of education to shape lives. Even when they were newlyweds with limited resources, they started small by contributing $10 a year to their local schools.

Mike and Chryss have always recognized how fortunate they were to have successful careers, thanks to the foundation built by public education systems across the country. As they transitioned into retirement, they decided to take their commitment a step further by making a sizeable donation to the Davenport Schools Foundation, with no specific directive attached. “We really felt like the folks at DSF and the school district would make the best-informed decisions about where the money should go,” said Mike. This gesture reflects their trust in the school district’s ability to wisely use the funds to benefit students district-wide.

Impacting Students through Innovation and Access

One of the core values behind the Hartmans’ donation is their belief in creating opportunities for all students, particularly those who face financial hardships. Chryss, who spent many years teaching in Davenport Schools, has witnessed firsthand how innovative educational programs can make a difference. She fondly recalls a project where special needs students went on a field trip to a retirement center, which had a profound impact on both the students and the audience.

“Those kinds of experiences are exactly why we are happy to support DSF,” Chryss shared. “We’ve seen how much these types of activities can help students grow, and we want our gift to help make them possible for more students in the future.”

In particular, the Hartmans are enthusiastic about the Great Minds program sponsored by DSF, which funds field trips for students to visit local cultural institutions like the Adler, the Putnam, and the Figge museums. These trips provide students with invaluable exposure to the arts, history, and science, fostering a well-rounded education. For many students, these trips would not be possible without the funding provided by DSF.

“We’ve had so many wonderful experiences as a family in Davenport Schools, and we want to see that continue for future generations,” said Chryss. “Kids who get to see the arts and local museums year after year really benefit from those experiences. It opens their minds in ways that go beyond the classroom.”

A Legacy of Service

Though Mike and Chryss are not seeking public recognition for their generosity, they are happy to serve as role models for others who might be considering making a donation to the Davenport Schools Foundation. They hope that their gift will inspire others to contribute, whether through financial donations, volunteer efforts, or simply by supporting local schools in any way they can.

Mike recalls receiving occasional thank-you notes from students who were helped by their donations, and he finds great satisfaction in knowing that their contributions have made a tangible difference. Chryss continues to advocate for educational issues and lifelong learning, believing that learning doesn’t end with retirement but is a lifelong pursuit.

The Hartmans’ story is a powerful reminder of how giving can transform lives. Donations to the Davenport Schools Foundation provide essential resources to support students and educators across the district. These gifts allow for the continuation of innovative programs, field trips, and activities that enrich the student experience and help foster a love of learning.

As Mike Hartman put it, “Education is so critical to each generation. We have been lucky to have successful careers because others built and refined schools all over the country. We are strong believers in public education, and we want to help our community and our schools to improve year after year.”

If you are interested in making a donation or learning more about how you can support Davenport Schools, visit the Davenport Schools Foundation today. Together, we can help build a brighter future for the next generation of students.