ELF FAQ | ELF Vision
Q: What is a local education foundation?
A: Local Education Foundations are non-profit organizations whose boards represent
local community and education leaders and who are financially accountable to
their communities. Each is unique in its operation, its programs, and the resources
it provides to the the community, but all share a common commitment to improving
education at the local level. Education foundations:
- COLLABORATE with other non-profit groups (local historical society, PTA,
public library, senior center, arts council, garden club, local businesses....)
to address community issues relating to education.
- LINK people and organizations in their communities with public schools, developing
awareness and resource support.
- INCREASE teacher morale by making direct financial grants to teachers and
by recognizing their importance in the community
-BROADEN support for public education and local schools with greater community
awareness
Q: Are there other Education Foundations in CT?
A: Yes. Nearly 80, including Redding, Weston, Greenwich, Darien, Wilton, Avon,
Norwalk, Bridgeport and Ridgefield......and 2,000 across the country.
Q: How did Local Education Foundation start?
A: The concept of Education Foundations was born in 1978 in the wake of California's
school-budget-tightening Proposition 13. As local school revenues plummeted,
broad and deep cuts were made in educational programming. In a grassroots
response, parents, teachers and community leaders pioneered a powerful mechanism
through which they could support local schools and, furthermore, impact local
education in a positive and enduring way.
Q: Why do Easton schools, which are already top notch, need the additional
financial and human resources of an independent group like ELF?
A: Easton schools, like many others, must balance education goals with the
realities of reduced state funding, local pressure to keep taxes low, and federal
legislation like No Child Left Behind. ELF works independently but in partnership
with local schools to help meet needs unique to our district and keep our schools
at the forefront of education .
Please be clear that education foundations are NOT a substitute funding source
for items that are the clear mandate of school budgets . They do NOT assume
financial responsibility for items, salaries and programming that would typically
be funded via the Board of Education.
With that said, ELF's seeks to make an IMMEDIATE IMPACT on education in the
classrooms by addressing several key areas not currently met through the local
budget including:
- the growing need for technology in our schools
- professional development to keep our teachers up-to-date and inspired,
- teacher/classroom grants to support innovative curriculum, pilot new programs
and inspire students and teachers alike
Q: Does ELF support school board candidates?
A: No. As a non-political nonprofit group we cannot support candidates or act
as a PAC -- i.e., we cannot use resources to influence school board issues
in any way.
Q: How can I help ELF?
A: We welcome any level of support and participation and there are MANY ways
to be involved - and , its FUN! Of course, donations are crucial. Please
contribute on ourwebsite or throught the mail at any level and see the results
in a vibrant, energized and challenged school community. Take a look at our
website to see our programs and if anything sparks your interest - we value
your participation. The teachers and kids will thank you!
