Lighting the Fire
Our Foundation
Vision Statement
E3 ➙ Enabling Educational Excellence
Leadership
Support
Service
We see remarkable and sterling examples of success in our schools through the work of our bright students, dedicated teachers, and committed school leadership. The lighting of the fire of education – instruction and learning – is burning bright but must be maintained by steadfast caretakers of our students’ futures. Education fuels the success of economic development both locally and globally and opens doors that benefit generations to come.
The work of our Foundation shares a commitment to Leadership, Support and Service, alongside the JEFCOED District’s pledge to Enlighten, Engage and Empower as we educate and prepare our students for the life and work of tomorrow.
Mission Statement
To support the Jefferson County School District in meeting a commitment to a strong tradition of teaching excellence and outstanding student achievement.
We Support Learning by…
• Expanding business partnerships
• Enhancing community awareness
• Encouraging educational innovation
• Elevating outstanding teaching
• Elevating exemplary student achievement
History
As in most public school districts, some of the best student enrichment programs and professional development for teachers and principals are beyond the reach of already strapped budgets. In 1992, the Jefferson County Schools Education Foundation was created to work alongside the direction of the Jefferson County School District to enhance financial resources and expand classroom experiences in our schools. Led by community volunteers until staffed by an executive director in 1999, the Foundation has supported 31 programs in the past 26 years. Three of those programs have been shared over that time with all 13 public school districts in geographical Jefferson County, Alabama.
About Jefferson County Schools
As the second-largest school district in Alabama and the largest in the Birmingham metro area, the Jefferson County Schools educates over 36,000 students from Pre-K to 12th grade in 57 schools. Our district serves 35 urban and rural communities across an 850-square-mile footprint and represents our area as the 8th largest employer with over 4,000 educators, administrators, and support staff. Our school district offers a multitude of academic, career, and enrichment opportunities to meet the diverse needs of all students. JEFCOED schools hold our communities’ core and depend on us to join together in order to support public education and impact the lives of our youngest generation.
Jefferson County Schools Education Foundation
STAFF & BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Deidrea R. Jackson
Executive Director
Jefferson County Schools Education Foundation
Melissa B. McKie
JCSEF President
Bishop Colvin Johnson Kent
Brittney Smith
JCSEF Vice President
Shipt Birmingham
Lisa Fox
JCSEF Treasurer
Regions Bank
Jim Black
Black Family Restaurants / DBA McDonald’s
Bill Casaday
Gardendale Chamber of Commerce
Wade Cox
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Alabama
Keith Cromwell
Red Mountain Theatre Company
Emily Dunham
LBYD, Inc Civil Engineers
Tapeka Fennell
Jefferson State Community College
Walter Gonsoulin, Jr., Ph.D.
Jefferson County Schools Superintendent
Chad Hagwood
Hunt Real Estate Capital
Kim Munford
Alabama Council of PTAs
Jan Plyler
Jefferson County County Council of PTA
Carita Venable
Jefferson County Board of Education President
Terri Williams
AT&T Alabama