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published on 10/01/2006
MEF PHONE-A-THON
By
Mountain Education Fund
Mountain Education Fund Launches Drive to Supplement School Funding
Phone-a-thon scheduled for Oct. 16, 23; Goal is $178,000
The Mountain Education Fund has launched its campaign to raise funds to supplement public education for Signal Mountain students, seeking to add to the over $900,000 the drive has generated over the last five years.
Pledge cards have been mailed to all Signal Mountain residents. A phone-a-thon will be held Oct. 16 and Oct. 23 to contact those who do not respond by mail. Mountain Education Fund (MEF) planners have set of goal of $178,000 this year.
Now in its 16th year, the MEF was started in 1991 by a group of parents who were concerned about state-wide cuts in school funding and their impact on Signal Mountain students. The MEF is a non-profit organization staffed by volunteers and is dedicated to enhancing the education and lives of children. A total of 100 percent of the funds raised are used to supplement education in neighborhood schools: Nolan and Thrasher elementaries, Signal Mountain Middle, and Red Bank High.
The MEF raised $207,528 in 2005, including funds from a golf tournament. Donations are distributed based on enrollment in a particular school.
“Providing a strong educational foundation for our public school students benefits our entire community,’’ said Kay Turner, chairman of the 2006-07 drive. “Our children have needs that cannot be met through traditional funding sources, especially in the area of technology. We are optimistic that Signal Mountain residents will continue to invest in their lives through supporting the Mountain Education Fund.’’
Funds contributed in the 2005-06 drive provided educational resources that are not available through county or state sources. MEF funds paid for items including supplementary teachers in art and Spanish; computers; technology hardware and software; professional development for teachers; classroom instructional supplies; planning retreats and similar activities; and materials for required standardized testing.
The MEF is a non-profit 501©3 organization. All contributions are tax-deductible and may be mailed to Mountain Education Fund, P.O. Box 81, Signal Mountain, TN 37377.
The 2006-07 MEF board includes: Kay Turner, chairman; Kim Clausen, treasurer; Cindy Pare, publicity; Cathy Felder and Merri Cate, Nolan coordinators; Allen and Leslie Culp, Nolan PTA co-presidents; Kelly Drayer and Kelley Woodard, Thrasher coordinators; Martha King, Thrasher PTA president; Beth Hackett, Signal Mountain Middle coordinator; Debbie Matthews and Teresa Marshall, Signal Mountain Middle PTA co-presidents; and Karlette Baker, past chairman.
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