ROXBURY, NJ – A new non-profit organization, formed by Roxbury parents with help from Roxbury Schools Superintendent Frank Santora, is raising money it will offer to district teachers and administrators.
Called the Roxbury Education Foundation (REF), the organization is seeking grants and donations “to provide the learning community with the resources and opportunities it needs to thrive while also empowering educators to be their best selves,” said its website.
The REF is the brainchild of Roxbury resident and parent Kristine Nemec, who stressed that all of the foundations proposed outlays will be subject to approval by the superintendent and school board.
“Many towns have been doing this for 30 years,” Nemec said. “They can be very successful and helpful.”
She said teachers interested in securing grants from the REF must first ask their school principal for approval. The foundation’s board of directors then reviews and votes on the applications before suggesting them to the school board and superintendent.
Nemec said one of her observations, before she began creating the foundation in April, was that parents tend to lose connection with schools and teachers after their children reach middle school.
“Our district's teachers and staff have impacted our students in such a positive way,” Nemec told teachers during a presentation. “While they are in grammar school, the families have an opportunity to build relationships with the faculty. However, as our kids get older, there is less of an opportunity for families and teachers to get to know each other unless it's through sports or band. Our hope is to help change that.”
The REF will not raise money for athletics, clubs or basic supplies, she said. “We don’t replace anything the district is responsible for, but we can supplement upgrades,” she added.
On its website, the REF gives some examples of potential grants. These include “materials designed to extend student learning beyond what is covered in the core instructional period … such as decodable texts for struggling readers and resources for comprehension and math difficulties.”
The REF also envisions “providing teachers with increased opportunities for STEM, professional learning and training on topics of professional interest and priority."
Nemec, a Roxbury resident for 11 years, said the REF plans to have fundraising galas - similar to those hosted by the Roxbury Library Foundation – along with other events to gain awareness and donations.
“We invite the faculty to attend our events and fundraisers to meet your supporters,” she told the teachers. “The goal is to provide the community and staff with an opportunity to form stronger relationships as well as raise money for the district.”
Nemec praised the REF's treasurer, accountant Kim Coppola. “I couldn't have done this without her,” she said.
Nemec said people interested in helping the REF or simply learning more should visit the organization’s website.
The site contains a quote from Santora in which he expresses his support: “ As the Superintendent, I am very grateful to the members of the Roxbury Education Foundation for their efforts in creating such a critical organization within our community,” it says. “I see the relationship as a partnership, one that is marked by collaboration, reciprocal communication and appreciation.”
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