Education foundation announces new officers

Sparta — New officers were recently named by the Sparta Education Foundation (SEF). Danielle Dykstra is the president, replacing Dorothy LaBeau in that role. Donna West is vice president, a position formerly held by Danielle Dykstra. Gwen Donovan is secretary, the former responsibility of Erik Hein. Nancy Purnell continues to serve as the SEF treasurer.
“Each of the SEF officers and all of our trustees are committed to the ongoing legacy of the Sparta Education Foundation, which celebrates its 10th anniversary this year,” Dykstra. “Working together as a team, I know we will continue to promote academic excellence in Sparta’s schools by funding grants for programs that enhance our entire district.”
Grants funded by the SEF during the 2015-16 school year include a shark/predator aquarium, 208 Chromebooks for math and science classrooms, 180 Chromebooks for English classrooms, 10 Chromebooks for English Resource classrooms, audio amplification systems and kinesthetic furniture for Sparta High School, an electric piano for Mohawk Avenue School, 12 Sphero robotic balls and 9 document cameras for Helen Morgan School.
The Sparta Education Foundation strengthens the public schools, supports teachers and inspires students. Since 2006, they have funded over $759,000 in grants to all five of Sparta’s public schools. The Foundation is an independent, non-profit, all-volunteer organization whose mission is to engage the entire community in philanthropic giving. Visit spartaeducationfoundation.org for more information.