No doubt many requests include technology because East has lagged behind technological advances due to state-wide funding shortages. Ideas in the both realms of Student Programs and Technology have been funded but there has not been a request to date for Professional Development. Each funded idea has focused on a broad range of students with special attention given to those "kids in the middle." Additionally, three of the student programs help make "a big school seem smaller," a goal of The East Fund and a strategy being pursued by educators and funders, such as the Gates (Microsoft) Foundation, nationally.
How does The East Fund determine how to spend money?
While decisions are made by the Board, the direction comes from our East community.
The focus for investment or the priorities considered for investment have been developed by an ongoing committee of The East Fund called Community Priorities (CP). The Committee identified three specific areas for investment focus; Student Programs, Technology, and Professional Development. Additionally the Committee identified two themes to be considered in all areas of focus, "making a big school seem smaller" and "focus on the students in the middle." These priorities were recommended after many interviews with faculty, administrators, students, recent graduates, parents, and business and community leaders. The CP Committee continues to research ways for The East Fund to sharpen its investment focus.
Who proposes ideas for funding?
Anyone in the community may submit an idea. The process is simple and there are four times each school year when ideas are reviewed. To date ideas have been submitted by faculty, administrators and parents.
Who reviews the ideas for funding?
The East Fund Grant Committee, a group representative of our community, evaluates each proposal. The Grant Committee then makes recommendations to The East Fund Board. Before the first ideas were submitted, members of the Grant Committee carefully researched evaluation methods used by many other groups and developed criteria to meet our needs. Members of the Grant Committee work carefully with Dr. Cocolis and with the District to be certain District funding is not possible and to be certain that any equipment purchased will be serviced and upgraded by the District. Follow-up on the outcomes of funded ideas will also be done by the Grant Committee.
Not only has The East Fund invested in ideas to enhance learning for East students but in the process dozens of people in our community have been involved as "boosters for education." The hallmark of any good school is involvement. The creation of this resource has generated involvement focused on making East a better place for learning.
The East Fund welcomes your participation as a volunteer and/or as a donor.
11/13/09