From left, Hamilton County Schools students Chase Drake, Caroline Au, and Jourdyn Drake with Founding Donor checks from community partners
Hamilton County Schools introduces its newly established nonprofit partner organization, the Hamilton County Schools Foundation, that will harness additional resources for public schools in the county. The added resources will bring new learning opportunities for students.
"The Hamilton County community is a tremendous partner with our school district in preparing our children for success and played a key role in the district becoming the fastest improving in Tennessee," said Dr. Bryan Johnson, superintendent of Hamilton County Schools. "The Hamilton County Schools Foundation will provide a means for even more meaningful work as we come together to move our children and community forward toward a brighter future to become one of the best school districts in the state."
The Hamilton County Schools Foundation will secure added financial resources to support improvements for children's education that go above and beyond the school district budget. The foundation's mission is to support educational opportunities and excellence for all students through the effective mobilization of resources, relationships, and innovation.
"Our schools and district have been recognized nationally for expanding opportunities for our students," said Jill Levine, chief of Innovation and Choice. "We are excited to be able to reach even more students with innovation as we raise funds to support this work."
A Board of Directors comprised of leaders from the community and representatives from the leadership team of Hamilton County Schools will lead the Hamilton County Schools Foundation. The organization will be an extension of the school district working to help reach goals for children and graduates outlined in the district's strategic plan Future Ready 2023.
"The district has experienced a tremendous amount of progress over the last three years," said Keith Fogleman, chair of the Hamilton County Schools Foundation Board of Directors. "The district approved the strategic plan, and students and teachers led HCS to become a level 5 district for academic improvement. The school system also had a 'best in class response' to the COVID-19 pandemic and many more accomplishments. Our next step is to ensure all of our HCS students have access to learning opportunities that allow them to achieve excellence and prepare for a successful future."
The foundation's priorities this year align with the district's strategic plan and include future-ready STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math) and Innovation programs. The foundation will accelerate student achievement with early literacy support, mobile learning labs, and recognition for great teachers and leaders across Hamilton County Schools. The HCS Foundation will also support broader, community partnership initiatives such as HCS EdConnect powered by EPB and Virtual Learning Centers in the community.
The HCS Foundation is currently seeking Founding Donors to establish the organization's fund. Its goal is to raise $250,000 for schools by the end of 2020. It has already raised over $150,000 for Hamilton County Schools through the support of these Founding Donors.
Leader in Education – (Gift of $10,000 or higher)
Amazon
Dr. Dane and Sheila Boyington, Thinking Media
Bridge Public Affairs
Kelly Subaru
Pinnacle Financial Partners
SunTrust now Truist Bank
Tennessee Valley Authority
UNUM
Urban Story Ventures
Valedictorian – (Gift of $5,000 or higher)
Community Foundation of Greater Chattanooga
First Horizon
The Honors Course
The Johnson Group
Neuhoff Taylor Architects PC
To become a Founding Donor, make a donation of $5 or more at www.hcde.org/community/hcsfoundation.