Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Sharon Education Foundation?

The Sharon Education Foundation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving Sharon’s commitment to excellence in public education. The Foundation raises private funds to support innovative teaching, administrative leadership and community participation in the schools.

Supporters and donors include parents, citizens and businesses who share the belief that strong public schools are essential to the quality of life and future well-being of the town.

The Foundation works closely with the Sharon Education School Department in a unique partnership, identifying needs and opportunities where its efforts can make a difference to teachers and children. Foundation funds are used to seed new approaches to professional development and system wide improvements that the schools could not otherwise afford. The Foundation seeks out and supports innovation and leadership among teachers and administrators alike.

With public education under continuing budget constraints, the need for public/private collaboration as represented by the Foundation is greater than ever.

Why Do We Need an Educational Foundation?

• Our teachers and students are our greatest assets. The foundation is a resource to fund new and innovative programs to enrich educational opportunities.
• Proposition 2 ½ is a state law limiting annual property tax increases to 2 ½ %, thus forcing limitations on school budget increases.
• Sharon’s tax base is predominantly residential and there are few lots left for further development, thus limiting any increases in our available tax base.
• Currently, there are over 45 educational foundations like SEF in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts operating successfully for an average of 8-10 years.

Why is SEF an autonomous organization?

• SEF provides private support intended to ENHANCE the excellence of the Sharon school system. It will not SUPPLANT public funding.
• SEF is a non-profit, tax exempt 501-c-3 non-political entity governed by and independent board of directors, not by the school committee or school department.

Who is SEF?

SEF's Board of Directors is composed of Sharon parents, residents, educators, alumni, business owners, and professionals who wish to maintain the educational excellence of the Sharon Public Schools. Working together towards this important goal, the Foundation benefits all residents of the community.

How are funds raised?

Funds are raised through donations from private parties and individuals. Additionally, SEF sponsors two fundraisers: Its annual adult spelling bee, Bee Spellbound in Sharon, where businesses sponsor teams; and its spring fundraiser, the annual Lee Flaxer Award dinner, which raises funds via ticket purchases, ad book revenue and an auction/raffle of items donated by individuals and businesses. Parents of students in the Sharon Public Schools can also purchase and Educator Certificate, honoring a special teacher or member of the staff. Donations can also be made to honor a special person or in memory of someone.

How are the funds utilized?

• Grants are used to restore and enrich the educational opportunities of Sharon Public Schools;
• SEF funds a broad range of subject, including those that focus on traditional academic subjects, visual and perform arts, promotion of multicultural and community learning experiences and professional development.
• SEF gives priority consideration to proposals that:
  • Explore new and imaginative curriculum ideas and teaching practices;
  • Reflect the existing core values, curricular priorities and goals of the school system;
  • Directly impact a significant number of students and/or teachers over an extended time; and
  • Can be replicated by other Sharon schools or classrooms.