The Taylor Public School Foundation for Educational Excellence is beginning its 38th year of raising funds to help support students and classroom programs in the Taylor School District.

The new officers for the next two years are: President Kimber Dorton Vice President Armando Sardanopoli, Secretary Linda Newsome and Treasurer Marsha Bettinger.

The foundation is planning several fund raising events during this school year:

The second annual “Dueling Pianos” event will be held on Saturday November 16. It will be held at the Taylor Democratic Club, 23400 Wick Road. Last year’s event attracted over 200 attendees. It will include raffles along with pizza and food from Malek Al-Kabob. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. and the fund-raiser begins at 6:30. Sponsorships (which include tickets to the event) start at $250 and range to $2,000. Individual tickets are $35. Tickets can be purchased online at TaylorSchoolsFoundation.org

Famous Dave’s Bar-B-Que will be holding three fund-raising days during the 2024-25 school year. The Foundation will earn 20 percent of the proceeds for purchases made from noon to 8 p.m. on October 23, 2024; February 19, 2025; and April 9, 2025.

Plans are under way for a new Wall of Fame Gala that the Foundation will host. This event will honor past educators or non-educators who have had a positive effect in the Taylor School District over many years of involvement. This event will take place in the Spring and the foundation will be seeking nominations from the community. (Additional details about this gala event will be made public soon.)

Funds raised will then be used to support classroom programs using a grant application process. This year the foundation will have $14,000 devoted to this grant process. The foundation has also budgeted an additional $3,000 to support other school activities.

Lastly, the Education Foundation awards about 40 scholarships to graduating seniors for a total of approximately $40,000. All of the funds for the scholarships are donated by alumni, local business and local non-profit organizations.

The Taylor Public School Foundation for Educational Excellence is a 501c3 non-profit organization. Its mission is to support first class educational programs that enhance student achievement.

The goal is to enhance the potential of Taylor students by equipping them to become successful contributing members of society. If you are interested in becoming involved in the Taylor Education Foundation you can e-mail your interest to Taylorfoundation@taylorschools.net.


Editor’s Note: For more about the foundation, click on the City of Taylor’s YouTube channel for an interview of members Tanya Clayton and Pastor Ryan Bettinger on a segment of “Taylor NewsBreak.”