The Observer talks with Nicole Coelho and Alyson Nickse, Co-Presidents of the Lexington Education Foundation

LO: What does the Lexington Education Foundation do?

LEF: The Lexington Education Foundation (LEF) is a community-based nonprofit organization dedicated to enhancing the educational experience within the Lexington Public Schools. Established in 1989, LEF has awarded over $6 million to support exceptional educational activities that align with the district’s priorities but fall outside the standard school budget. LEF serves the entire Lexington Public Schools community, encompassing all ten schools – from preschool through high school.

The foundation offers various grants, including Program Grants, Fellowships, School Community Grants, and Rapid Response Grants, each designed to foster innovation and professional development within the schools. 

LEF operates as a volunteer-run organization, raising financial support from families and businesses to fund innovative teaching and learning initiatives. LEF’s operations are managed by a Board of Directors and various committees, all comprising volunteers who contribute their time and expertise to support the foundation’s mission. We are supported by our part-time office manager.

LO: To whom do you award the grants?

LEF: Grants are awarded to certified staff members, including classroom teachers, specialists, and administrators, to implement projects that enhance the educational experience for students across all grade levels and subjects. LEF provides grants that are innovative, impactful, and inspiring. LEF also supports pilot program grants, allowing educators to test new concepts.  

We offer School Community Grants to ten Lexington Public Schools to support each school community. Additionally, we offer Fellowship Grants to all eligible educators and LPS staff for their professional development, Rapid Response Grants to cover any unforeseeable same-year innovation ideas and Program Grants for any pilot projects that could benefit the large student community.

LO: Are there examples of how grants have been used that you can share?

LEF: LEF-funded initiatives have led to significant advancements in the classroom. For example, the foundation supported the installation of Pollinator Living Lab gardens at Estabrook, Fiske, and Harrington Elementary Schools, providing hands-on learning opportunities in environmental science. Additionally, LEF funded the Jump Rope Readers program for the Jump Start summer initiative, designed to welcome new METCO students to the Lexington school community.

LO: Looking to both the near- and longer-term future, what goals does LEF want to accomplish?

LEF: In the near term, LEF aims to continue funding innovative educational projects and professional development opportunities. We have committed to $250,000 of grants. 

Long-term goals include sustaining and expanding support for initiatives that enrich the learning experience and strengthen student achievement across all schools.

LO: Why does LEF matter to Lexington?

LEF: LEF stands out for its commitment to fostering innovation in education by funding projects that bring new teaching approaches and technologies into classrooms. By supporting professional development and community-building initiatives, LEF plays a crucial role in maintaining and enhancing the excellence of Lexington Public Schools. 

LO: How can Lexingtonians best contribute to LEF?

LEF: LEF encourages Lexington residents to support the organization by getting involved. We have various Board and Committee member opportunities available. Community involvement is vital to sustaining LEF’s programs and expanding its impact on local education. 

Our community can support our organization through donations, volunteering, and participating in events. 

We also invite you to follow us on social media to stay updated on our approved grants and upcoming fundraising events. Mark your calendars for the Trivia Bee in January and the Celebration for Education in April. 

You can also support LEF by donating to our Annual Appeal or by purchasing a Star Award to honor a teacher, building, or LPS staff member.

Thank you for your continued support of LEF and our students!

To learn more about the Lexington Education Foundation, visit https://www.lexedfoundation.org

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