Fayette Educational Foundation

Foundation Q&A

What is the Fayette Education Foundation?
The Foundation was established as a private, non-profit corporation
to work in partnership with the Fayette County Public Schools to help close the achievement gap and to raise student achievement at all levels.

Who runs the Fayette Education Foundation?
The foundation is led by a board of directors consisting of business, education and community leaders who have a passion and appreciation for education. The board is dedicated to enhancing learning opportunities for all public school students in grades K – 12, and is committed to the belief that all students can achieve their highest potential with resources, committed teachers and the most innovative educational tools available.

The Fayette County Public Schools is funded by tax dollars, why do they need a foundation?
While the Fayette County Public School’s budget supports the basic needs of the schools, the Fayette Education Foundation (FEF) will help support programs, schools and teachers that are succeeding in closing achievement gaps while raising the achievement levels of all students. The FEF will reward and recognize these success stories so that success may be modeled and repeated throughout the district.

Where do the Foundation’s funds come from?
The Fayette Education Foundation raises dollars from individuals, corporations or any group interested in investing in the students of the Fayette County Public Schools. The FEF is a 501c(3) corporation so donations are tax-exempt.

How are the funds used?
The Board, in conjunction with the Fayette County Public School leadership identifies areas where additional assistance is needed to close achievement gaps. Grants and awards will be provided to support outstanding and innovative teaching programs and teaching methods that have proven to raise student achievement levels, especially those that can be emulated by other Fayette County Public School teachers and schools. In addition, teachers, students and staff will be recognized and rewarded for exceptional efforts and practices.

I hear a lot about closing the achievement gap; what does that mean?
Actually, there are many achievement gaps in Fayette County, as well as in most school districts throughout the nation. When one group of students achieves at a higher level than another, it creates a “gap.” Closing achievement gaps will ensure that regardless of race, ethnicity, disability or income status, all children will reach or exceed state standards. Expectations must be high for all students if the gaps are to be closed. When teachers give their best to students, and students are expected to do their best, all youngsters will reach higher levels of academic achievement.

I don’t have children in the public school system, so how does the foundation’s efforts impact me?
Public schools touch the lives of all of us. The children in our schools today will become our employees, our neighbors, and our leaders of tomorrow. The economic vitality and quality of life in a community are directly linked to the quality of the educational system.