MEF Aims to Enhance Education in Monroe's Schools

On opening day of the Monroe Farmers Market this season, Amy Shelin Primorac collected donations at a table for the purchase of eBooks for Monroe's public schools. It was part of an effort that will soon be more common in town as the new Monroe Education Foundation raises funds for grants benefiting the school system.

Hundreds of eBooks will be donated to the schools for students in the fall. Thomas Taylor and Lee Crouch, co-founders of the non-profit organization, say the Monroe Education Foundation (MEF) is well on the way to reaching its goal.

"We're going to be focusing on the entire district," Crouch said one afternoon when she and Taylor met at . "We want to be a vital part of the community."

To that end, MEF is in discussions about running the annual Sprint for Monroe, a popular community fundraiser held at Wolfe Park.

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Taylor said Supt. of Schools James Agostine had a priority list of 10 initiatives that would enhance students' educational experience, but were not currently funded in the budget. From that list, MEF decided to raise funds for eBooks this summer.

A Monroe Education Foundation flyer has the quote: "The student of today is tomorrow's community leader, business owner or employee. An investment in education pays lasting dividends to the community."

The non-profit organization's primary objective is to raise funds for grant awards to Monroe Public Schools' faculty and administrators, parents, students and community members. MEF will fund a broad range of projects, from enhancing traditional academic subjects and visual and performing arts, to the promotion of multicultural and community learning experiences and professional development.

Building a Strong Foundation

MEF is one of 93 education foundations across Connecticut, according to Crouch. She said the non-profit networks with the Connecticut Consortium of Education Foundations, sharing best practices and marketing materials. Crouch also credits the school district's former technology director with MEF's early development.

"Craig Tunks was instrumental in getting this organization up and running," she said. "He helped with the bylaws and the critical organizational structure details."

Taylor is a former Board of Education member, who had served on the board for a longtime. Crouch is a current board member. They launched MEF together in January and are still assembling its board of directors.

Taylor is chairman of the MEF Board of Directors and Crouch is vice chair/treasurer and Robert Guere is secretary. Other members include Larry Lemieux, Primorac, Eric Stockman and Fran Welch.

"We're compiling the board as we speak," Crouch said. "Sue Koneff is the latest board member."

Ex officio members include First Selectman Steve Vavrek and Supt. of Schools James Agostine.

The foundation needs the support of the community to reach its goals. All donations are tax deductible. Checks made payable to the Monroe Education Foundation can be mailed to 373 Monroe Turnpike, Monroe CT 06468. Donations can also be made online via the MEF's website mefmonroe.org.

"Any amount would be appreciated and if you have an employer with a matching grant program, please contact us," said Crouch.

For information call MEF at (203) 452-2899 ext. 2723 or send an email to info@mefmonroe.org.