Gary Superintendent Yvonne Stokes said Thursday the district will make significant upgrades and equipment purchases to improve basic needs with a $500,000 donation from the Hard Rock Casino Northern Indiana.

Stokes told a crowd of supporters at the casino the donation will impact teaching and learning across the nine-school district.

Specifically, she said the gift will fund gymnasium improvements such as wall mats, floor resurfacing and the replacement of stadium bleachers, a library/media center and security upgrades along with staff training.

She’s hopeful the donation will fund audio-visual equipment including a sound system and microphones, smartboards, bookcases and an indoor playground sensory wall with ergonomic lighting.

“It certainly feels great to witness this generosity first-hand in support of our students,” Stokes said. “I am excited for the students, and we are grateful for this vote of confidence in our ability to provide the best educational experience for every child we serve.”

Matt Schuffert, president of Hard Rock Casino Northern Indiana, said Hard Rock’s donations are aimed at organizations most in need in its surrounding area.

“Our leadership and staff at Hard Rock are mindful of the important role that we all play in the growth of the community,” he said.

Last year, the casino donated $500,000 to the Lake Ridge Schools to complete the renovation of a middle school gym, new desks, chairs and library furniture at Longfellow New Tech Elementary.