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Schools

Education Foundation Updates Board on Successes

Over the past year the Saucon Valley Foundation for Educational Innovation approved 15 grants and raised more than $170,000 for the district's environmental education center.

At the June 12 Saucon Valley School Board meeting, Saucon Valley Foundation for Educational Innovation President Susan Kennedy updated the board about the foundation’s growth over the past year.

“The Saucon Valley Education Foundation raised a lot of money and had a lot of passion (this past year),” said Kennedy.

She said the main purpose of the foundation is to provide additional educational opportunities for students and teachers.

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The foundation approved 15 of 21 grant applications received—seven for the and six for the . Kennedy noted that although the did not receive any grants this year, it has in the past.

The grants, totaling $23,976, funded items such as , , technology expos, Future Business Leaders of America competitions and an electronic dance fitness program.

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In addition to grants, the foundation raised about $170,850 from corporate sponsors for .

Kennedy said the foundation hopes to raise a total of $360,000 to pay for the center and its upkeep.

The foundation hopes to break ground on the center this summer, she said.

Over the past year, the foundation also sought to attain further qualification for corporate donations.

Kennedy said the foundation received a BCO-10 certification from the state, which recognizes it as a charitable organization, and also received Educational Improvement Tax Credit (EITC) acceptance.

Along with more donations, the foundation has also expanded its volunteer trustee base to 20 people and now has six committees.

Superintendent Dr. Sandra Fellin thanked Kennedy and all those involved with the foundation "behind the scenes" for their support and dedication.

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