|
|
 |
|
 Frequently Asked Questions
- What is an Education Foundation?
- An Education Foundation is an organization
comprised of concerned citizens who recognize that as education has
become more important and more complex, there is a need to develop a
means to raise funds for innovative and effective programs that improve
student achievement and foster lifelong learning.
- How long have Education Foundations been around?
- Since 1978 thousands of communities in the United States have
established foundations with similar missions as the SEF (there are
close to 100 foundations in Connecticut).
- Why an Education Foundation in Southington? Don't we have good
schools?
- The Southington public schools are excellent. However, there is
always a need to expand educational opportunity and meet the needs of
our children beyond the core program that is provided by the public
schools.
- What will the Foundation do?
- The Southington Education Foundation, SEF, is committed to funding
programs or projects that go beyond the central mission of the public
schools. We recognize that it is the obligation of the Board of
Education and the town to provide a quality educational opportunity for
all students. We will not fund or supplant any program that is
rightfully the town's responsibility. We will challenge teachers,
principals and the community to think of new and innovate initiatives
that will enhance the program and curriculum of the Southington Public
Schools.
- How does the Southington Education Foundation operate?
- The SEF is comprised of a Board of
Directors. Directors work on committees, organize events and are
indispensable to the success of the SEF. There is an
Executive Board elected by the Board of Directors each year. The
Executive Board oversees the ordinary operations of the SEF. All members
of the SEF are unpaid volunteers.
- What is the relationship between the SEF and the Southington Board
of Education?
- The SEF is a non-political entity independent of the BOE. The SEF
will support programs that enhance the opportunities for our children,
but will not fund any program that is a part of the expected services
and programs provided by the BOE and the town.
-
- The Foundation is not an alternative source of funding for the
school system.
- Will the Foundation affect the school budget or my taxes?
- No. Because we will not supplant those programs that are the
responsibility of the Board of Education and the town, your taxes will
not be affected. All monies raised and spent by the SEF will be
donations from the public at large.
- How can the Town of Southington and the community at large benefit
from the SEF? I have no children. The schools do not affect me.
- We all have a stake in ensuring the best education for our children.
The quality of a school system is an integral part of any community's
success. The school system affects property values, the attractiveness
of the town for new business and industry and the general quality of
life. Perhaps Dr. Dave Monti, former Southington BOE member and a member
of the SEF, said it best: "The only real legacy a town can give its
children is their education." We all benefit from improved schools.
- How can teachers or schools receive a grant for a program they want
to initiate?
- Teachers, principals or any certified staff of the school district
may submit a grant. Grant proposals are submitted to the Grant Committee
of the SEF using the SEF Grant
Application form after being approved by the principal of the school
requesting the grant. The Grant Committee
reviews the grant proposal to ensure that it furthers the mission of the
SEF. Then the proposal is reviewed in the context of all other
proposals. Finally, if approved, the teacher or school will receive the
funds.
- How would that program funded by the SEF be evaluated?
- Within two weeks of the completion of the program, the teacher or
school would submit a Grant Evaluation form.
This form, while relatively simple, would provide data to validate the
success of the program. If a program did not work the way it was
intended, that would also be included. Sometimes we learn more from the
way things don’t work than from when they do.
- Does the SEF offer scholarships to students?
- The Southington Education Foundation is proud to offer three
scholarships to graduating Southington High School students.
Click here to learn more about the
scholarships being offered.
- How does one contribute to the SEF, either with time or money?
- The SEF website has both a donation link and instructions for
getting involved with the organization. You can also contact any SEF
board member for information. The SEF is a
non-profit, 501(c)(3) organization and all donations are tax-deductible.
|
