FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT THE FOUNDATION
What is the Avon Education Foundation?
The Avon Education Foundation (AEF) is a non-profit, non-partisan, tax-exempt organization that supports educational programs for all the citizens of the Town of Avon and provides a way to help improve the quality of public education above and beyond conventional academic funding from the Town and other public sources. The Foundation solicits donations from individuals, businesses, foundations and other organizations and disburses grants to schools and educators for targeted programs that improve learning, achievement and skill development; encouraging creativity, and excellence in teaching.
Why does Avon need a Foundation to support education?
· Engages new partners and deepens community support for our schools.
· Educates the community about the needs of our schools.
· Augments traditional public funding.
· Funds programs not normally included in the school or municipal budgets.
· Provides tax-deductible opportunities to support Avon children, public schools and educational programs for all residents.
· Promotes public/private partnerships and enables Avon Public Schools to benefit from corporate grants and matching gifts.
· Funds the programs that provide the margin of excellence in our schools that Avon residents expect, and that Avon children deserve.
What is the Foundation’s relationship with the Board of Education?
The Foundation is a non-political entity entirely independent of both the Board of Education (BOE) and the schools. The Foundation may supplement current BOE priorities, but it is not a substitute for them, nor is the Foundation simply a routine alternative funding source for the schools. The AEF seeks to seed promising pilot projects and encourage innovation in teaching and learning. The Foundation will not fund items and programs considered to be a normal part of the annual school budget.
How does the Foundation operate?
The AEF is governed by a Board of Directors that meets on a regular basis. The all-volunteer board includes representatives from the all segments of the community - parents, business people, retirees, educators and others who are passionate about ensuring educational excellence in Avon. This collaboration between public schools and the private sector is critical if our schools aspire to rise to the forefront of education in the state and the nation.
Where will the money come from to carry out the Foundation’s programs?
The AEF was founded on the principle that broad based community support for education should be the obligation of every citizen. The Foundation depends entirely on private donations including securities, grants, bequests and in-kind contributions. Donations are sought from parents with students in our schools, former students and other members of the community, as well as local businesses, civic organizations and other sources committed to preserving the quality of education in Avon. In the future, the AEF seeks to create an endowment to ensure the continuity of the Foundation.
Is the idea for an Education Foundation unique to Avon?
No. Since 1978, over 3,000 communities across the nation have established education foundations with similar missions. There are more than 75 education foundations already operating in Connecticut, including West Hartford, Simsbury, Granby, Farmington, Darien, Wilton and Weston. One-third to half of the nation’s school districts have established foundations to promote private support for improved public education in their communities.