Asheville Middle School River Corps students, led by AMS teacher Will Yeiser on their fall retreat.

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1988 The Asheville City Schools Foundation was founded by a group of concerned parents, community members and school personnel to increase local concern for public education. The first programs were the ACE Card (a fundraising discount card for area amenities), Grants funded by CP&L, and Adventure Day (a joint venture with the YMCA giving system 5th graders a teambuilding experience prior to entering Asheville Middle School). The Foundation held Light Up for Education and Fall Ball in the Mall as its first fundraisers. 1990 The Show of Excellence is created as a showcase of Asheville City Schools’ student and faculty talents and a fundraiser for the Foundation. 1994 Board members hire the first Executive Director, Kathy Ballard. Listening Project – The Listening Project was funded by a Community Foundation grant to provide 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, falling along racial and economic lines. The report was widely read and played an important part in bringing about the Student Achievement Task Force. 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. 2000 The Foundation kicks off Celebration for City Schools, an annual fundraiser for teacher support programs. Janirve Foundation begins funding Major Grants as part of the Grants Program. 2001 The Foundation begins the Tutor Coordination Program (now known as the Student Academic Coach Coordination Program) funded by Sisters of Mercy. 2002 Progress Energy funds Micro Grants for the Grants Program and expands Teacher Support Services to boost teacher morale and increase teacher retention. As part of its Tutoring program, the Foundation joins Asheville Buncombe Education Coalition. An informal group comprised of graduates of Stephens-Lee, Lee Edwards and Asheville High Schools and other community folks begin the History Project to document and display the rich history of our school system. The Foundation starts to administer the Student Scholarship Program for graduating Asheville High Seniors. 2004 The Foundation begins Literacy Through Art to bring artists from the Asheville Area Arts Council as guest speakers and teachers to all fourth-grade classrooms. 2005 The Emergency Family Assistance Program is created through the Constance Miller Fund to help Asheville City students and their families in times of crisis. Janirve Foundation awards $75,000 over three years for Grants Program. The Foundation hires a new Executive Director, Lisa-Gaye Hall. 2007 The Foundation, in partnership with the City of Asheville, takes a leading role in the development and administration of City of Asheville Youth Leadership Academy (CAYLA). Three AmeriCorps VISTA Members brought on to staff Public Awareness, Fundraising & Development, and City of Asheville Youth Leadership Academy Coordinating positions. 2008 20th Anniversary! The Foundation initiates a new Listening Project to address an increase in student violence and gang problems in the area. Progress Energy funds the first Energy Education Grants to support education in alternative energy. The Future... The Foundation is looking forward to developing and expanding its programs to reach more students and teachers and to reach them more effectively. The Foundation is looking to collaborate with local businesses and organizations to provide more resources, particularly more grants and scholarships, and to enhance the quality of our programs.

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