The Fox Chapel Area School District established the Children First Fund in 2007 as a way to support educational initiatives and programs that might not otherwise receive funding during difficult economic times and in compliance with Act 1, which requires a voter referendum to raise school district taxes beyond a certain level.
School board members Joel Weinstein, Charles (Chip) Burke and Sandra Garbisch worked with Superintendent Dr. Anne Stephens to create the fund in support of the areas of art, technology and athletics.
"It was the belief of the committee that every child deserved to have equal opportunities in education," said Ms. Stephens. "At a time when many districts were finding it necessary to cut programming in music and art, we were excited to continue to support these areas."
Two successful gala fundraisers and generous donations from the community have helped to support the fund. The first gala at Heinz Field raised money in support of technology and the purchase of equipment for Dorseyville Middle School. The second gala, held at the Pittsburgh Zoo, raised more than $250,000 in support of district-wide programs for the arts. An anonymous donation enabled the district to turf the fields at Fox Chapel Area High School.
These events continue to bring together hundreds of residents and friends of the Fox Chapel Area School District in support of valuable programs for all students.