Founded in 1999, the Arlington Education Foundation has provided $168,000 of funding for district students and their classrooms (the district science room, the Maker/Collaborative space in the Arlington High School Library, the Interactive Project System initiative and the K-5th grade STEAM Lab initiative), more than $450,000 in scholarships to Arlington's college-bound seniors and over $40,000 in grants to Arlington Central School District teachers. In addition, the Foundation has received over $500,000 from external donors such as the Dyson Foundation on behalf of the District. Recognizing the need to supplement the funding received through the school district’s budgetary process, the early Arlington Education Foundation members established a not-for-profit foundation. The board has been and continues to be volunteers from diverse backgrounds and professions, including retired school teachers, attorneys, bankers, financial planners, accountants, business owners, etc. Since 2006, the Foundation has had a part-time Executive Director.

Why a Public School Foundation?

Education foundations are privately run, not-for-profit organizations established to enhance the public school education. Working with private donors, local businesses, and corporations, a public school foundation can provide funding for equipment, programs, and projects which are not funded or are underfunded by the school district’s budget. Approximately one-half of all U.S. public school districts are currently supported by education foundations.

Where is Arlington?

The Arlington Central School District is located 75 miles north of New York City in the Town of LaGrangeville, NY and is comprised of eight elementary schools, two middle schools, and one high school. Geographically, the district covers an area of 114 square miles and is situated to the east of both the Hudson River and the City of Poughkeepsie. There are close to 10,400 students in the Arlington Schools. Student achievement is high. Approximately ninety percent of all graduates continue their education in college while ten percent enter military service or the work force. For more information, see the Arlington Central School District website.