Who We Are
Foundation Background and Mission
The Hastings Education Foundation is a not-for-profit all-volunteer foundation, established in 1997, whose purpose is to provide funding for enrichment and enhancement of the Hastings Public Schools.
The Foundation was created largely to offset declining state aid which over the years forced the elimination of many fine enrichment programs. Each year we have given between $40,000 and $120,000 for programs that benefit our community's children. Virtually all of our donations go directly to the schools: we are an all-volunteer organization with minimal expenses. Our donations come primarily from parents, alumni, the community at large and matching grants from businesses in response to an annual fundraising letter to the community. In the past we held two fundraising concerts annually, Stars Over Hastings in the spring and Kidsong in the fall. Six years ago we began holding only one fundraiser, a gala party and auction. Our first gala netted over $30,000 for the Foundation, our second brought in double that amount. Last's years fundraiser at Alder Manor was attended by over 300 people and raised over $70,000. Please contact us if you would like to join the organizing committee for our next event.
Over the years we have funded a wide variety of grants including:
- Capital projects: creation of the Hillside Science Lab and the renovation of the Hillside Library Media Center
- Curricular projects: Fifth Grade Writer-in-Residence Program, K-12 science curriculum consultant, and expansion of the Negotiated Learning Project at Hillside
- Staff development projects: support of Math Trailblazers at Hillside and Schools Attuned at all schools
- Cultural and arts projects: funding for the FMS kiln and support for Concert for Hispanic Heritage Month
- Technology projects: SmartBoard technology at Hillside and scientific probes and software for High School science labs
- Fitness projects: traversing and climbing wall curriculum/equipment and wellness program for Farragut Middle School
See Grant History for the full list of grants awarded over the past year.
Our Mission
- Enhance the quality of the Hastings schools by engaging the support of our residents, parents, students, teachers and alumni
- Enrich the curriculum by serving as a catalyst for the development and promotion of innovative programs
- Provide financial assistance for school facilities and equipment
- Increase the community's awareness of and support for our schools
Board of Directors
- Neal Berkowitz
- Joanne Corrigan
- Jill Deitz
- Barbara Dormont
- Julia D. Drake
- Hillari Freireich
- Nancy Gagliardi
- Jody Heyward
- Nina Hogan
- Suzanne Page
- Denise Rosenberg
- Judith Simmons
- Maria Stober
- Deb Tarricone
- PTSA liaison: Barron Lerner
- School board liaison: Caryn Campbell