School foundation observes 20th anniversary

The Education Foundation will celebrate its 20th anniversary Tuesday with a dinner at Arts of the Albemarle.

The sold-out event scheduled from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., including food from Montero’s, will celebrate the successes of the Education Foundation, as well as a welcoming for incoming President David Pureza.

For Molly Brite, executive director, the event is an exciting milestone, considering the group’s humble beginnings.

In 1989, the foundation was formed, Brite said, with a small group of volunteers. Now, she says, it has a board of 22 members and a $250,000 budget. The mission of the Education Foundation is to support the Elizabeth City Pasquotank School District by working closely with the board of education and the superintendent to enhance student learning though programs and initiatives.

“Our working relationship with the Board of Education and the ECPPS administration is a great asset and significantly makes a difference in our role to secure public school education funding and partnerships for our schools,” Brite said.

According to a statement from the Education Foundation, in the past 20 years, the program has either created or offered the teacher of the year recognition, the Martha Ann Ward Swain Innovative Grants, the James Gray History/Social Studies Fund, the Francine Jones Sanders Middle School Math/Science Fund, AVID (Advancement Via Individual Determination), Professional Development for Educators, student incentives through Project S.C.O.R.E., technology support and media support.