Nonprofit aims to aid education
By Peter Goonan

March 10, 2008 - A local foundation is convinced Springfield can do better in educating its children, and wants to create a nonprofit dedicated to improving public schools.

Mary E. Wallachy, executive director of the Irene E. & George A. Davis Foundation, met last week with the Finance Control Board, explaining its plans and asking for a $25,000 city contribution to fund a feasibility study.

The private foundation is proposing creation of a "Local Education Fund," under a national grassroots program designed to improve public education for low-income and minority children living in urban areas.

"We believe, despite everyone's best efforts, the current academic achievement levels of Springfield's children continue to be unacceptable," Wallachy said as part her presentation.

Control board members praised the foundation, but delayed a vote until its next meeting, March 27, as requested by board member and City Council President Bud L. Williams. Williams said he wanted additional details before voting.

While other programs exist to improve schools, the Local Education Fund is more about "a push for school reform," Wallachy said.

"We believe the development of a Local Education Fund will offer a structure involving community stakeholders who care about the education of Springfield children and through this organization can both advocate for and support our public schools while at the same time monitoring and holding the schools accountable for high quality," Wallachy said.

The organization would work with, but be independent of the school district, Wallachy said. It would involve a coalition of parents, business leaders and community stakeholders, she said.

The Public Education Network is a national organization of approximately 85 local education funds. The funds in the Northeast include Boston and Bridgeport, Conn.

The local education fund organizations advocate for accountability, expecting measurable results, and encourage innovative practices, Wallachy said. They also help secure public and private investments in education and advocate for community involvement, she said.

The local education fund board would "serve as a critical friend to the school district," Wallachy said.

Mayor Domenic J. Sarno and control board Chairman Christopher F. Gabrieli said they were impressed by the presentation.

Control board member James O'S Morton said the plan is "an excellent opportunity for divergent groups to come together for best practices" in public education.