Newtown Education Foundation Formed

As with many Connecticut towns, Newtown has experienced declining enrollment and continued pressures for budgetary solutions to fund education.

In recent months, the town considered closing a school as an option to relieve financial pressures, which resulted in an uprising of dedicated community members through the ‘Support Our Schools’ (SOS) campaign, according to a press release.

Newtown leaders have decided not to close a facility for now; however, energetic citizens are following through on their commitment in support of education for the long term.

Co-Founders Kristen Bonacci, Aaron Carlson, and Casey Ragan will lead a collaborative effort with other respected community members to launch the ‘Newtown Education Foundation.’

The mission of the organization will be to enrich the learning experience for students by promoting innovation and creativity through collaboration with the community.

“Fostering an advanced learning environment for our children will be a wonderful benefit to their educational experience,” co-founder Kristen Bonacci said.

The initial foundation meeting is scheduled in September with a purpose to align on the vision and develop an executional strategy, including filing for 501c3 non-profit status.

The foundation initiative will be a partnership with Newtown Public Schools and Superintendent, Dr. Joseph Erardi, will play a lead role.

“I am very excited about the future of the Newtown Education Foundation as it parallels the mission of the Newtown Public schools to ‘inspire each student to excel’ while partnering with the community,” Erardi said.