The Marshwood Education Foundation (MEF) has been formed to support innovation and excellence through grants for the Eliot and South Berwick schools. The MEF is planning to be a 501 © (3) tax exempt corporation and will function as an independent, non-profit organization of dedicated community members.
MEF is committed to supporting public education in Eliot and South Berwick through funding innovative educational opportunities that fall outside the capability of the school budget. The school board has developed a new policy to facilitate receipt of grant monies.
MEF will work with teachers and administrators to identify ideas and unique ways to support creative, mind opening projects. Eliot and South Berwick elementary schools, the Great Works and Marshwood Middle and High schools can participate in the grant process.
“We have been meeting with committed Eliot and South Berwick citizens for several months. Our education foundation will work with teachers, staff and students to develop grants that will enhance MSAD 35 educational programs at all levels,” said Jeff Leathe, MEF’s president.
“We have looked at education foundation programs in Maine and across the country as we have tailored our goals to provide financial help, through grants, to spark and challenge student’s interest in learning. Done well, foundation grants will provide innovative learning opportunities for our teachers and their students. We are heartened by the initial support we have had. We are eager to get going,” Mr. Leathe said.
“We are mindful of the economy and want to assure our community that we intend to be a disciplined organization that seeks to enhance education but not supplement school budgets. We also want to be careful not to interfere with the many groups already supporting sports, band and other activities in our communities. We will work with teachers and administrators to identify ideas and ways we can support creative, educational projects,” Mr. Leathe said.
MEF’s next meeting will be at Marshwood High School at 6:00 p.m., Tuesday, March 24. Committees have been formed to work on grants, fundraising and public relations. Anyone interested in getting involved is welcome.
Officers are Jeff Leathe, president; Mark Gagnon, vice president; Susan Pullar, treasurer; and Keri Tice, secretary. Directors are Susan Dailey, Richard Donhauser, Chuck Bradbury, Dominic Strada, Bobbi Beavers, Jim Howell, Jen Houghton, Brad Martin, and Tom Manero. In addition to its officers and directors, MEF is very fortunate to be supported by numerous community members who are very active in executing its mission. MEF intends to sustain a balanced representation from Eliot and South Berwick.
