History of the Community Partnership for Egg Harbor Township Schools, Inc.
Between 2000 and 2010, the local school district saw a dramatic 42% increase in student numbers. The staggering population explosion was due largely in part to the Township’s designation as a “regional growth” area mandated by the state to protect and preserve areas of the Pinelands. As a result, Egg Harbor Township School District was faced with the financial burden of expanding school facilities to support the enrollment surge, with no additional funding from the State.
To address the budgetary concerns, then-Board of Education member Pete Castellano proposed the idea of starting a new non-profit organization to help address the district's budget shortfalls. Although the district already had thriving Sports Booster Clubs, school-specific Parents Clubs, and an Education Foundation that raises funds for teacher mini-grants and student scholarships, there was no group that was dedicated solely to supplementing district needs not covered by the annual budget.
In December 2005 the Community Partnership for Egg Harbor Township Schools Inc. was established under the guidance of a small Board of Trustees who were drawn from the local business community, the school district, and the community-at-large who shared common visionary goals, and who were willing to devote the time and energy needed to help the new organization grow and succeed.
To date, the IRS-recognized nonprofit has raised approximately $500,000 for capital projects, instructional technology, academic enhancement and extracurricular activities that have provided:
“Many support groups are needed in order to allow for the successful operation of the Egg Harbor Township School District,” said Dan Jacoby, president of the Community Partnership. “Each group has a vital and integral role; however, we are happy that Pete saw a need for the creation of the Community Partnership giving even more people the opportunity to make a difference in the largest district in Atlantic County. Over the past couple of years, I am especially proud that the Community Partnership and the other fundraising groups in the district have created new opportunities to work in unison to raise even more supplementary funds together,” added Jacoby.
To address the budgetary concerns, then-Board of Education member Pete Castellano proposed the idea of starting a new non-profit organization to help address the district's budget shortfalls. Although the district already had thriving Sports Booster Clubs, school-specific Parents Clubs, and an Education Foundation that raises funds for teacher mini-grants and student scholarships, there was no group that was dedicated solely to supplementing district needs not covered by the annual budget.
In December 2005 the Community Partnership for Egg Harbor Township Schools Inc. was established under the guidance of a small Board of Trustees who were drawn from the local business community, the school district, and the community-at-large who shared common visionary goals, and who were willing to devote the time and energy needed to help the new organization grow and succeed.
To date, the IRS-recognized nonprofit has raised approximately $500,000 for capital projects, instructional technology, academic enhancement and extracurricular activities that have provided:
- Establishment of boys and girls lacrosse teams at Egg Harbor Township High School;
- An LED marquee sign at the entranceway to Egg Harbor Township High School;
- New commercial cooking equipment at the football stadium concession stand;
- A new playground at H. Russell Swift Elementary School and funds in support of two other playgrounds at E.H. Slaybaugh and C.J. Davenport elementary school complexes
- Districtwide life-saving Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs);
- Three new computer labs at Dr. Joyanne D. Miller Elementary School, C.J. Davenport and E.H. Slaybaugh Elementary Schools;
- iPads for elementary students with Autism;
- A professional Digital Recording Studio at Egg Harbor Township High School;
- A Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) at Egg Harbor Township High School;
- TV Cameras and studio upgrade equipment for EHT-TV;
- ‘Leg-Up’ equestrian program for at-risk middle school students;
- Writing lab at Egg Harbor Township High School;
- A Steinway grand piano for Performing Arts students
“Many support groups are needed in order to allow for the successful operation of the Egg Harbor Township School District,” said Dan Jacoby, president of the Community Partnership. “Each group has a vital and integral role; however, we are happy that Pete saw a need for the creation of the Community Partnership giving even more people the opportunity to make a difference in the largest district in Atlantic County. Over the past couple of years, I am especially proud that the Community Partnership and the other fundraising groups in the district have created new opportunities to work in unison to raise even more supplementary funds together,” added Jacoby.
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Board of Trustees
Dan Jacoby, President Chip Donovan, Vice President Dawn Brodton, Board Member Denise Hladun, Board Member Nicole Perone, Board Member Michael Price, Board Member Maria Shuttleworth, Board Member Christopher Tascione, CPA, Board Member David Umphlett, Board Member Donna Vassallo, Board Member Friends of the Foundation Maria Previti Patty Sharpe Amy Smith Amber Umphlett Ex-Officio Members Dr. Kimberly Gruccio, Superintendent of Schools Chandra Anaya, CPA,District Business Administrator & Foundation Treasurer Ellen Gregory, Secretary/Exec. Director Honorary Members Peter E. Castellano, Esq., Past President & Founder Christopher Moran, Past President Fran Morrison, Past President Tracey Wiser, Past President Louis DeScioli, Past President Chuck Donovan, Former Vice President George Wilkinson, Honorary Member Vision Statement:
Building a solid foundation of Community Pride, Awareness, and Resource Development for the advancement and success of the students of the Egg Harbor Township School District Mission Statement: A 501(c)(3) non-profit that raises funds for instructional technology, capital projects, academic enhancement and extra-curricular activities for the Egg Harbor Township School District |
Community Partnership For Egg Harbor Township Schools, Inc. Foundation Board Office
5 Swift Drive, Egg Harbor Township, NJ 08234
(609) 646-8441 x1017
gregorye@eht.k12.nj.us
5 Swift Drive, Egg Harbor Township, NJ 08234
(609) 646-8441 x1017
gregorye@eht.k12.nj.us
