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Education is Everyone's Business | Starting an Educational Foundation | NJAPIE Study Highlights | Special Thanks | Join NJAPIE Education is Everyone's Business With one goal in mind - a better prepared workforce - and the objectives to accomplish that goal, the New Jersey Association of Partners in Education (NJAPIE) launched their one-day conference on March 25th. The event attracted approximately 100 educators, corporate and organizational representatives, and higher education personnel. NJAPIE President Jo Ann Dow in her remarks to the gathering at the Holiday Inn in Jamesburg, said, "It takes energy and hard work to grow successful partnerships. But, the young people whose lives we impact deserve this much from us -- especially since we're expecting so much from them." Attendees at the Conference had the opportunity to attend seven informative group sessions that offered something for everyone. The topics included: "The Nuts & Bolts of Starting a Partnership;" "Higher Education and K-12: Natural Partners;" "Partnering for Community Service - Model Programs;" "Starting an Educational Foundation;" "Connecting School-To-Career: The Implications of Workforce Readiness;" "Educational Technology: Partnerships That Work" and "Parents as Partners." An additional feature at the Conference was the opportunity to visit special tabletop exhibits, which provided information on collaborative partnership efforts. Robert Mulcahy III, Director of Intercollegiate Athletics, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, delivered the Keynote Address. The Conference's theme, "Building Effective Partnerships: Preparing Students for the Future," set the tone for his message that emphasized, "How to build consensus and move forward." Through the Business Coalition for Educational Excellence Cross Content Workforce Readiness Performance Incentive Award sponsored by Prudential and Johnson & Johnson, $5,000 was presented to each of three teachers for their outstanding work in implementing the Cross Content Workforce Readiness Skills. Recipients included Dale Harris, Prudential; Pamela MacNeil, High Tech High School, Monmouth County; and Lori Moore, Principal, Penn Beach School, Salem County; John O'Hara, Kearny High School, Hudson County; Jeffrey V. Osowski, Assistant Commissioner, New Jersey Department of Education; and Michael Bzdak, Johnson & Johnson. Starting an Educational
Foundation "Show me the money!" was not the primary theme for this highly spirited concurrent session. In fact, the establishment of long-standing partnerships was the basis for this panel discussion. However, the opportunity to raise funds through the establishment of an education foundation was discussed, as well as the ground rules necessary for establishing a successful foundation. The panel consisted of founders and practitioners ranging from very small to extremely large foundations. Irene Sterling, Executive Director of the Paterson Educational Fund; Carol Hila, Executive Director of the Woodbridge Township Education Foundation; and Carl Minardo, President of the Evesham Education Foundation offered details regarding the success of their not-for-profit entities. Initially, the panel discussed the step-by-step procedures necessary to establish a foundation. Emphasis was placed on the role of a steering committee in bringing together interested parties that represented a true cross-section of the community The attendees were cautioned about establishing the "right chemistry" for a successful board of trustees. "Power freaks" and other trustee candidates with "political agendas" should be avoided at all costs. The panelists stressed the advantage of having an attorney and an accountant to assist with the details of incorporation and securing the tax-exempt status for the foundation. It was also suggested that the services for these individuals should be secured as a "pro bono" offering. The mission and the goals of the foundation need to be articulated clearly to the public to generate maximum support. As a result, the public relations aspect of establishing this entity needs to be carefully considered by the trustees. Positive press reports regarding the initiatives of the foundation need to be promoted through the community to gain long-lasting support. Otherwise, the initial flurry of financial assistance to the foundation may result in simply being one-time efforts with no future commitments Therefore, it is important for the foundation to seek to establish partnerships with various businesses and other organizations through long-term projects. A discussion of creative-funding strategies piqued the interest of the attendees. Golf outings, annual sustaining drives, dinner-dances, art auctions and other special events were highlighted as effective fund raising opportunities. The Totowa Education Foundation operates a before/after school child care program and a half-day pre-school, which generate significant revenue for that organization. In addition to generating revenue, this foundation also provides an important service to the community. It really is a great example of a "win-win" formula. The attendees were also encouraged to draw very clear lines between the foundation and the school district to avoid even the perception of a conflict of interest. Remember, if the perception exists, then there is a conflict. Educators can play important roles in an education foundation but it should be in an advisory capacity only. The true leadership and direction for the foundation should come from a core group of interested citizens from the community who have uniformly accepted the established mission and goals. A successful education foundation can serve as a major support network for school districts or other not-for profit groups and can ultimately become a "community chest" for the benefit of all citizens. About the Author NJAPIE Study Highlights 18 Major Issues: Educational Partnerships Support School-to-Career Preparation The New Jersey Association of Partners in Education (NJAPIE), an organization that develops and maintains an alliance of business/education partnership programs and volunteer programs, released the results of its year-long survey entitled, "Partnership Survey Report," at its one-day conference in late March. NJAPIE President Jo Ann Dow said, "From a target sampling throughout the state, the most significant issue emerging is that the reasons for partnerships are as varied as the partnerships themselves. They cluster around the themes of support for school-to-career activities and general backing for education." Highlights of the survey include:
Single copies of this survey are available by contacting the New Jersey Association of School Administrators, Attn: Nancy Walker, 920 West State Street, Trenton, New Jersey 08618, 609-599-2900, ext. 122. Special Thanks The New Jersey Association of Partners in Education would like to thank the following organizations for supporting the NJAPIE Conference. Silver Bronze Supporter Contributor Special thanks are also extended to the staff of the New Jersey Association of School Administrators (NJASA) for assisting NJAPIE with the coordination of the Conference.
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