MISSION

To bring resources and people together to support and enhance public education in Osceola County.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Sandy Borders, James O. Gay Jr. CPA

Raymond R. Bradick, Boyer-Singleton & Associates

Ryan Julison, Ginn Clubs & Resorts

Wade Davis, City of St. Cloud

Andrea Donaldson, Park Square Homes

Pete Edwards, Great Outdoor Days

Tony Grey, Gardnyr Michael Capital

Bill Haupt, Florida Hospital

Fred Hawkins, Jr., Waste Services Inc.

Patsy Heffner, Osceola County Tax Collector

Tim Hemphill, Kissimmee CVB

Mike Horner, Kissimmee Chamber of Commerce

Tony Iorio, Avatar

Paul Kinser

Chris Klinger, Valencia Community College

Sarah Logan, Gray Robinson

Melba Luciano, Osceola School District

Mark McHugh, Gatorland

Mike Mekdeci, Stetson University

Ed Moore, The Osceola Center for the Arts

Jim Murphy, Osceola Management & Consulting

Blaine Muse, Superintendent Osceola District Schools

Jim Shanks, Park Place Behavioral Healthcare

Pam Ollis, Ventura Elementary

Kathy Pierson, Massey, Persons & Brinati

Marc S. Reicher, Champions Gate 33896

Diane Salisbury, Hanson, Walter & Associates

Mark Shamley, Orlando Magic

Allen Sims, Smart City

Tom Tompkins, State Housing & Development

Dimitri Toumazos, Xentury City

Mike Wood, Centex Rooney

Silvia Zapico, Valencia Community College

PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS

A Gift for Teaching: A free store for teachers to shop for supplies to be given to needy children in their classrooms with the mission to ensure all classrooms in the county have the basic tools for learning.

Academic Boosters: A program that recognizes Osceola County students for their educational accomplishments   involving the support of local businesses who provide free or reduced priced products as “rewards”.

Bookmark Buddies: A third grade mentor- reading program that helps students improve their reading and writing skills.

C.O.R.E.: (Creating Opportunities & Resources for Educators) A reimbursement program funded by the Foundation that will pay for tuition of district employees wanting to become teachers.

Enhancement Program: A program that provides grants for projects that benefit entire schools or the entire School District of Osceola County.

Grants for Great Ideas: A grant program to financially assist educators in the pre-kindergarten through post-secondary levels wishing to enhance instruction and enrich student experiences.

RETAIN: A program that helps people with a college degree enter the teaching field by paying tuition for graduate courses that lead to teacher certification.

Scholarships/Counseling: A program that puts parents and students together with counseling services available for college or technical schools to help them get scholarships.

Take Stock in Children: A comprehensive program that helps deserving low-income children succeed by providing college and vocational scholarships, volunteer mentors, student advocates, early intervention, long-term support, high standards, parental involvement and community support.

The Education Foundation ~ Osceola County is a solid, non-profit organization led by a 35 member board of directors. The board is made up of parents, teachers, corporate executives, and elected officials. This board has increased the programs of the Foundation to serve educators and district staff in their efforts to give Osceola County's students the best education possible.

Updated: 7/5/06