HOME > About the Foundation

Purpose
The ACS Foundation is an autonomous 501(c)(3) that supports the students and teachers of Asheville City Schools. It is independent of the Asheville City School System and receives no federal or state funding. It is supported by individual and corporate donations, grants from philanthropic organizations, special events, product sales and "fee for services" programs. By definition, we are a “local education fund” one of many across the US.

What we are
Local education funds (LEFs) are nonprofit community-based organizations dedicated to increasing student achievement in public schools and building broad-based support for quality public education.

LEFs are independent of the school districts in which they operate, have boards reflective of their communities, are professionally staffed and work with public school systems serving a significant population of low income at-risk students: an average of 53 percent of students in communities served by LEFs are eligible for free or reduced-price lunches.

LEFs collaborate with school principals, teachers, administrators, boards and districts, businesses, community organizations and local citizens to develop and implement whole school improvement strategies, create model programs, leverage resources, award grants and enhance the standing of public schools in the community.

We always come from the position of acting in the best interest of the students.

History

• 1988 - Founded by a group of concerned parents, community members and school personnel to increase local concern for public education. The organization has slowly grown over the years adding projects and programs as deemed necessary. Board members acted as staff for the first few years.
  First Programs: ACE Card, Mini-Grants and Project Grants, Adventure Day
  Fundraisers: Light Up for Education, Fall Ball in the Mall; School Checks

• 1991- A part time administrative director was hired.

• 1994 - Staff change – a part time Executive Director was hired. Computerization and database management began in earnest.

• 1994 – 1996 Listening Project - The Listening Project, funded by a grant from the Community Foundation of WNC and undertaken by the Asheville City Schools Foundation, provided an opportunity for students, teachers, administrators, parents and concerned community members to express their thoughts and ideas on low student achievement. Information gathered was evaluated and compiled into a report of statistical and anecdotal results. The results showed an inequity in the distribution of services to our students. This inequality appeared to fall along racial and economic lines. The perception of racism in the system was clearly indicated. The report was widely read and played a part in bringing about the Student Achievement Task Force (1997 – 1999) that examined the issues around low achievement by minority and poor students. The Task Force made nine recommendations that have now been implemented by the system. The tenth recommendation resulted in additional research and led to AVID, Comer and KIPP. The Foundation remains active in school reform initiatives.

• 1995 - 1996 The Foundation revised. The Mission Statement was updated and belief statements were added. All Foundation projects and programs were reviewed for compliance with them.

• 1997– Executive Director becomes full time position

• 1998 –Middle School Adventure Program funded by Janirve Grant

• 1999 – Part time assistant hired

• 2000 – Major Grants added to Grants Program funded by Janirve Foundation

• 2001 – Tutor Coordination Program added funded by Sisters of Mercy – Part- time Tutor Coordinator hired

• 2002
  Micro Grant Program and expanded Teacher Support Services begun funded by a Progress Energy Grant
  Councils hold summer long review of all projects and programs
  Middle School Adventure Program discontinued because of funding
  History Project started and then suspended due to lack of funds
  Joined Asheville Buncombe Education Coalition
  Consolidated system scholarship programs

• 2003 – PE Grant renewed for $20,000

• 2004
  Awarded record number and $ amount in Student Scholarships
  National Board Certification Support Program graduates 17 candidates
  PE Grant renewed for $20,000
  Literacy Through Art added as second “whole cohort” program
  Sisters of Mercy Grant awarded for $25,000 for KIPP Academy

• 2005
  Constance Miller Fund created to fill urgent needs of students/families
  Progress Energy grant renewed for 05 – 06
  Janirve Grant awarded for $75,000 for Major Grants through 06 –07
  Staffing change – new Eexecutive Director, Lisa-Gaye Hall

• 2006
  Work begins on Federal AmeriCorps grant

• 2007
  Three AmeriCorps*VISTA Members brought on to staff Public Awareness, Fundraising & Development, and City of Asheville Youth Leadership Academy Coordinating positions
  ACSF takes leading role in devlopment and administration of City of Asheville Youth Leadership Academy (CAYLA)

• The ACSF has a 21-member board - 19 elected board members who represent the diversity of the community. They are working board members. Two members serve ex officio – the superintendent and a representative of the school board.
• The work of the Foundation is divided between two councils. Program (which dispenses funds) and Fundraising (which raises funds) which are coordinated by the Executive Committee.
• General board meetings are held every other month. Executive Committee meetings are held during non-board meeting months. Councils and Committees meet in months the board does not.

• Full-Time: Executive Director: Lisa-Gaye Hall
• Part-time: Tutor Coordinator: Linda Wells

• Public Awarness Coordinator: Daniel Erwin
• City of Asheville Youth Leadership Academy Coordinator: Erika Germer
• Fundraising and Development Coordinator: Alana Pierce