Frequently Asked Questions
What is an education foundation?
Why do Teton County public schools need the TCEF?
How will the TCEF work with Parent-Teacher Organizations?
How will the TCEF work with the TCSD#1 Board of Education?
How does the TCEF decide which projects to fund?
How do Non-Profits work with TCEF?
Will the TCEF provide grant opportunities to individual teachers or students?
I’d like to get involved with the TCEF. How should I proceed?
What is an education foundation?
Education foundations connect private funds with the public schools through philanthropic donations and corporate partnerships.
Education foundations around the country are successful! The National School Foundation Association reports that, “$31.5 billion was donated to education in the U.S. in 2003.” Moreover, “Giving USA 2001 reports that many major donors who give to education are switching their financial support and focus from college and universities to elementary and secondary schools.” The TCEF will work to tap into private and corporate donors for all Teton County’s public schools.
Why do Teton County public schools need the TCEF?
Teton County public schools have mandates from the state and federal Departments of Education that greatly impact how dollars are spent. For example, the math, reading, and computer literacy requirements of No Child Left Behind, Special Education, and English Language Learners all impact how district resources can be allocated.
The District strives to deliver a robust and dynamic curriculum, but over 81% of its budget goes to staff salary and benefits alone. This leaves only 19% of the budget for facilities, maintenance, equipment, student activities, and innovative projects. The TCEF works closely with the district to bring creative and financial resources to the school district through partnerships and collaborations with community organizations, businesses, foundations, and donors.
How will the TCEF work with Parent-Teacher Organizations?
Both the TCEF and Parent-Teacher Organizations support teachers and their classrooms. While a PTO (or similar entity) may only provide its services to one or two schools, the TCEF tries to work district-wide to benefit as many students as possible. The TCEF has a strong presence of PTO members from various schools on its Board. Both Wilson PTO and the Rendezvous PTO have provided funds to the TCEF through Old Bills Fun Run, and all elementary PTOs are now working with us to provide classroom grants to elementary teachers. The TCEF and district PTOs will continue to work together to enhance both individual schools and the school district as a whole.
How will the TCEF work with TCSD#1 Board of Education?
TCEF and the Board of Education of Teton County School District#1 voted to approve a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the two entities in June 2010. This MOU serves as the guidelines for how the two Boards can work together to enhance the public schools of Teton County and communicate with the greater community. The Foundation does not develop or propose curriculum, give input into strategic planning, or lobby for individual schools or programs. Our focus is broad and far-reaching, and for all the students and teachers in Jackson Hole and Summit High Schools, Jackson Middle School, Alta, Colter, Jackson, Kelly, Moran and Wilson Elementary Schools.
How does the TCEF decide which projects to fund?
The TCEF will fund projects or initiatives only in full collaboration with the school district. As outlined in the MOU between the Teton County School District #1 and the Teton County Education Foundation, TCEF may initiate funding for TCSD#1 programs and activities through several means:
- A formal request for funding from the TCSD#1 Board of Education;
- Recommendation for funding from the TCEF Board of Directors; or
- Funding inspired by community or donor driven initiatives.
In all cases, all projects must meet the approval of TCSD#1.
How do Non-Profits work with TCEF?
A key goal of the TCEF is to serve as a facilitator between the district, schools, teachers, and the many dedicated organizations that support public education. With the district Strategic Plan as our guide, we can recommend ways to fund your project or program. For example, if your proposed program meshes with a District strategic objective, the TCEF might fund part or all or your proposal, or pull together like-minded individuals or groups. However, if your proposed project appears to be outside the District’s Strategic Plan, we would advise you of such and possibly make recommendations to ensure the program suited District priorities. Since our inception in 2008, the TCEF has worked closely with these non-profit or community organizations:
- Rotary Foundation of Jackson Hole
- Breakfast Rotary Club
- New Initiatives in Public Education
- Former Public Education Coalition (PEC)
- Community Foundation of Jackson Hole
- Warren Potash and the KOH Foundation
- Raciborski Family Foundation
- Off Square Theatre
- Lion’s Club
- Microsoft Corporation
- Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts and Off Square Theater Company
- pARTners
- Wells Fargo Bank
- Cultural Council of Jackson Hole / Arts for All
- Dancers’ Workshop
Will the TCEF provide grant opportunities to individual teachers or students?
Yes! Please click here: Collaborative Classroom Grants
I’d like to get involved with the TCEF. How should I proceed?
Please send an email to info@tetoneducationfoundation.org or call Katherine Dowson at 208-709-4630. Thank you for your interest!
