Enhancing School Excellence
Enhancing School Excellence
Building an Education Foundation for the Future
by Peter V. White
(June 4, 2007)
Established in 1992, the Fayetteville-Manlius Education Foundation’s mission is to support and enhance the education program of the Fayetteville-Manlius School District. The Foundation is governed by a volunteer board of twenty-four community members, dedicated to bringing new and innovative academic and cultural programs to District students. These programs are funded totally by private donations made to the Foundation from individuals, other charitable organizations, corporations, charitable bequests and fundraising events.
In support of its efforts, additional attendees at the Foundation’s Board meetings are a junior and senior High School representatives, a teacher’s representative (to be increased to a teacher’s representative from each of the District’s schools starting in September 2007), a Parent-Teacher Council representative, a Board of Education representative and the District Superintendent. Additional assistance has been provided by an Administrative Assistant and a support staff person, both on a part-time basis.
Due to various factors, the Foundation started off the 2006-2007 school year with approximately half of its Board positions being vacant. These vacancies forced the Board to curtail its activities for the year while it considered various means to revitalize itself and plan for the future. Notwithstanding, the Foundation was still able to undertake the following activities during the 2006-2007 school year:
1. Sponsorship of “Captain Louie” - A traveling professional theatrical production of “Captain Louie” was performed on November 3, 2006 at the High School. This action musical, based on the book, “The Trip” by Ezra Jack Keats, with music and lyrics by Stephen Schwartz (who composed “Wicked” and “Godspell” for Broadway) was attended by hundreds of community members. After the performance, the audience was treated to a “punch and cookies” reception where they got to meet the performers up close and in person. Future annual sponsorships of other theatrical productions are being considered by the Foundation.
2. “School Excellence Grants” – These Grants provide funding to teachers and staff who wish to bring special programs and projects to District students. Due to its limited activities (including fundraising events), the Foundation was not able to award Grants for the 2007-2008 school year. However, recognizing the resulting benefits to students, the Foundation has allocated approximately $5,000 - $6,000 for Grants to be awarded in the Spring 2008 for the 2008-2009 school year. The format for awarding the Grants will involve the screening of all applications by a committee of school administrators, Foundation Board members and the School District Superintendent.
3. Hall of Distinction – This is a joint venture with the F-M School District that honors alumni for their outstanding achievements in their respective career or serve to the community. On May 24, 2007, four distinguished alumni and one honorary individual were inducted into the Hall of Distinction. Applications for the 2008 Induction are currently being accepted, with a November 30, 2007 submission deadline. Winners will be selected in early winter, and inducted at a ceremony in May 2008.
4. “Brick by Brick” – This is an ongoing commemorative program that allows for the recognition of F-M students, graduates, teachers, staff, administrators, parents, volunteers and community members. Bricks can be given in honor of, or in memory of such individuals. Commemorative bricks are placed in a specially designed pathway leading to the High School auditorium. Currently, for the 2006-2007 school year, we have 42 bricks ordered.
5. “Enhancing School Excellence Award” – This award is presented by the Foundation to a graduating F-M senior who exhibits exemplary character, a passion for learning, and a genuine concern for the education of others. In giving the award, we hope to draw attention to the efforts of students which reflect the Foundation’s mission.
6. Friends of the Foundation – A dedicated and loyal group of supporters, our Friends of the Foundation continue to provide financial backing to further the Foundation’s mission. To date, our Friends have donated over $7,854 to the Foundation during the 2006-2007 school year.
The Future of the Foundation. During the past school year, the Foundation Board members, with the assistance of other interested parties, have been diligently concentrating their efforts to develop the means that will ensure the Foundation’s continued growth and development. These efforts have included (i) the expansion of the one teacher’s representative on the Board to having a teacher’s representative from each of the Districts six schools; (ii) identifying and inviting community members to fill the Board vacancies, thereby ensuring new ideas for expanding the Foundation’s activities; (iii) undertaking efforts to enhance the role of Foundation volunteers; and (iv) exploring new fundraising ideas. Through these efforts, the Foundation has in place for the 2007-2008 school year new leadership and a core group of dedicated Board members that will ensure the Foundation’s ongoing success and mission of enhancing the educational opportunities offered to all District students.
For detailed information on the Fayetteville-Manlius Education Foundation, please visit our website at www.fmeducationfoundation.org. You may also call our answer line at 692-1222.