Sparta Education Foundation

The Sparta Education Foundation (SEF) was founded in 1991 based on the belief that Sparta Students should not be limited to minimum standards due to a lack of state funding for education.  Since that time, many student have benefited from SEF-funded grants that provide the "extras for education", but still the need continues.

The SEF's mission is to help provide creative, progressive and innovative educational opportunities for our students and staff which are beyond the normal operating budget of the school district.

Please consider making a contribution and give our students important enrichment opportunities that would be available otherwise.  Go to the CONTRIBUTIONS page for details.

The SEF is governed by a volunteer Board of Directors and operated independently from the Sparta Board of Education under an established set of bylaws.

If you have any questions regard SEF, please reach out to us!
sef@spartaschools.org

SEF BOARD OF DIRECTORS  2024-2025:

• LeAnn Kitson, President
• Jim Kerby, Vice President
• Sue Blackall, Secretary
• Patti VanderWall, Treasurer
• Joel Stoner, Ex Officio

Board Members: Michelle Alster, Julie Anderson, Kristi Armock, Jennifer Baldini, Erin Bormes, Chris Hoover, Sue Lampen, Bob Schirado, Stacy Helsel, Sarah Richmond

Associate Members: Heather Holland, Connie Howes, Sue Knauf, Bob Liscome, Liz Morse, Deb Warwick, Laurie Zurek, Kathy Reed, Don Behrenwald, Martha Markham
 

The SEF board of directors is composed of fifteen volunteers from the Sparta community who are dedicated to supporting the mission of the Sparta Education Foundation to provide creative, progressive,and innovative educational opportunities for Sparta Area School students K through 12th grade which are beyond the normal operating budget of the school district. Board of directors serve a three year term. Elections take place in June and terms begin in July. All board members must abide by the code of ethics written in the handbook. The board meets the 3rd Wednesday of every month at 7:45am in the Sparta Area Schools Administrative Board Room, 465 S Union St, Sparta, MI 49345. 

Duties and expectations include:

• Attend monthly general board meetings
• Adhere to the policies written in the SEF handbook and bylaws
• Participate in, support and promote SEF programs including fundraising
• Participate and support the activities of at least one committee of your choosing, including attending scheduled meetings
• Promote and advocate for the mission of the Sparta Education Foundation
• Protect the privacy and confidentiality of SEF, its donors,  and donations
• Maintain positive, professional, and supportive communication with school staff and other SEF board members.
• Board Members must first serve as an Associate Member

Volunteers who do not wish to become an Associate or Board member are welcome to assist with tasks or at events periodically throughout the year as needed and as desired.

To express interest in becoming a member of the Sparta Education board of directors, please email us at sef@spartaschools.org and write "SEF Board" on the subject line. A member of the board will get back to you concerning your next steps.

Board of Director Volunteer
SEF is currently seeking volunteers who are passionate about Sparta, education and children! 
If interested in volunteering, please fill out this APPLICATION and email to sef@spartaschools.org