Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Who are we?
The Arlington Schools Foundation (ASF) is dedicated to excellence in public education in Arlington. The foundation works in collaboration with the schools by supporting priorities identified by the district. We raise funds for system-wide education programs and administrative leadership initiatives.
ASF is a 501 (c)(3) corporation that was incorporated in 2001 as a response to the Arlington Public Schools' Strategic Plan so that the schools could be eligible for private grant money.
What do we do?
We are advocates for excellence in public education for all Arlington students. We focus on teachers, helping Arlington provide the kinds of professional development experiences that make great teachers. We communicate regularly with parents and community members through an e-newsletter, and by sponsoring local events that raise the profile of education. ASF prides itself on being an incubator for ideas, a resource for educational information, and a reliable funding source.
What programs have we supported?
New Teacher Mentoring Program: With the support of a grant from an anonymous donor, ASF funded veteran and new teachers to collaborate and design materials for newly hired teachers.
High School Improvement Planning Grant: A School Improvement Sub-Committee made up of teachers representing most subject areas collaborated over the course of a year and a half to develop a mission and a road map for Arlington High School. They used Jim Collins' Good to Great as a starting point for establishing priorities, and Thomas Friedman's The World is Flat to explore the impact of globalization on high school education.
High School Improvement Implementation Grant: ASF provided funding for teachers to participate in a community-based focus group on 21st-century learning and the skills and "habits of mind" needed to become successful in the workplace. ASF also funds the Collaborative Teaching and Learning model, including stipended positions for a Community Service Learning Coordinator, and a Coordinator for Arlington High School's collaboration with the Harvard Divinity School which empowers master teachers to work with student teacher to improve instruction and share practice.
How are we different from AEEF?
In contrast to AEEF, whose grants are often classroom- and school-specific, ASF funds system-wide, multi-year initiatives. We provide grant oversight and work with grant recipients towards the integration and sustainability of their work. ASF gives top priority to proposals that have long-term viability and a broad impact on education in Arlington.
What is our relationship to the Arlington Public Schools?
ASF is independent of the schools but the ASF board includes a School Committee representative as well as a designee of the Superintendent of Schools. This cooperation ensures that ASF is aware of the key priorities of the school system. ASF supports ideas generated from within and from outside the school system.
What is the role of ASF in school funding?
ASF funds are an adjunct to the school budget and will not replace revenue from local, state, or federal sources. As a non-profit corporation, ASF provides the school system with access to private and foundation funding.
How are decisions made about distributing funds to the school system?
Every year, the Arlington School Committee establishes and approves district goals. The ASF Board solicits input on those goals from teachers, parents and community members and meets quarterly with the superintendent of schools to share this feedback. In this way, ASF strives to assist the district in being responsive to changing needs.
Working with the district goals, the ASF Board establishes its priorities, and asks for written proposals from the relevant school personnel. The Board considers every proposal and votes to accept, reject or ask for modifications. It is possible that an outside organization could submit a proposal, with the Board's consent.
Every grant recipient is required to file a financial and narrative report on the use of grant money. The school system has the same relationship with ASF and the same reporting requirements as it would with other private and public funding organizations.
Do other towns have private foundations that assist their public schools?
Yes. At least 20 towns and cities in Massachusetts, including Newton, Brookline, Belmont, Lexington, and Winchester, have educational foundations which have had a positive impact on their public schools.
How can the public be assured that its gifts will be used appropriately?
ASF is a public charity. As such, it is subject to federal and state tax laws governing non-profit organizations. Our board meetings are open to the public, and we invite members of the community to attend and participate. ASF requires measurable milestones for all grants awarded to the schools, and we regularly publish grant proposals and reports on our website.
How can residents help the foundation?
To make a tax-deductible donation to ASF, click here or write a check to the Arlington Schools Foundation and send it to Jane Culbert, ASF Treasurer, PO Box 80 Arlington, MA 02476. We also welcome help with fundraising, publicity, events, grant writing and support, and educational research. For more information contact ASF.
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