A Mission of Service & Support
In 1985, FUTURES Foundation for Volusia County Schools was established to increase business/community involvement in public schools and to provide programs and activities beyond the financial capabilities of the school district. FUTURES Foundation, with a 501 (c) (3) designation, is the only organization that provides assistance to all public schools in Volusia County.
FUTURES Foundation supports educational quality for the Volusia County Public School System by directing resources toward areas of identified need, increasing community involvement and support, and encouraging open communication between the community and our schools. FUTURES members work to;
1. encourage and increase business and civic involvement in the school system
2. motivate and encourage creative and innovative educational programs
3. assist students in preparing for the workforce of tomorrow
4. recognize outstanding achievement by students, teachers, and support staff
5. assist in the recruitment of the highest quality teachers and administrators
6. raise the level of public understanding and support through improved communication and distribution of information
President's Message
Thank you for your interest in our Volusia County FUTURES Foundation. We are celebrating our 24th consecutive year as an organization committed to quality education for our K-12 students. Our goal is to enhance the excellent educational programs already in place here in our area with additional resources to support teachers, students, administrators, and staff. To highlight just a few of our endeavors:
FOR STUDENTS:
At various recognition events, we honor and recognize the outstanding accomplishments of our students. These events include the Turn-Around Program and Student/Staff Recognition Luncheons.
Tomorrow's Leaders provides leadership training for high school juniors. Modeled after the Leadership courses at the various chambers, these students explore the issues, resources and programs directing Volusia County's future.
The Take Stock in Children initiative pays for college tuition for selected at-risk students.
FOR TEACHERS/STAFF:
School Matching Grants provide tutoring for low performing students. Last year FUTURES matched $106,000 in money raised privately at the schools for this program.
Many staff recognition programs are in place: New Teacher Breakfast; Principal of the Year award; Superintendent's Outstanding Achievement award; Teacher of the Year Celebration; semi-annual staff recognition luncheons; and First Year Teacher award.
Mini-Grant Programs are awarded to teachers, staff and administrators for innovative teaching activities. Over $1,000,000 in mini-grants have been given to local schools to enhance learning.
Our teacher recruitment program endeavors to attract the highest quality teachers to our area.
PUBLIC INFORMATION:
The Educator Intern Shadowing program invites community members to shadow a Volusia County School Board employee.
FUTURES prints informational brochure, displays billboards, creates public service announcements and has several representatives willing to present to various community groups. These are just a few of our ongoing programs. Please contact us if you would like additional information about our activities. We support and encourage open communication between the community and our schools and welcome your interest.
Len Marinaccio, III, President
FUTURES Foundation for Volusia County Schools
Superintendent's Message
We are off to an excellent start in the 2008-09 school year. We are proud that our school district has achieved an 'A' rating and that we are moving more students into accelerated courses.
While getting off to a positive start, we have had to deal with the many challenges facing our K-12 public education systems. The state collections continue to fall which is negatively impacting the amount of funding that public schools are receiving. Fortunately, Amendments 5, 7, and 9 have been removed from the November ballot. Had they remained on the ballot and been approved by voters, the Amendments would have resulted in billions less for Florida K-12 public education.
Even though it is a difficult time economically for the school district and our families and communities, we, as educators, are committed to our students. Volusia County teachers, administrators, support staff and school board members put students first and consider their learning and well-being in every action and decision that we make. Our school district will, as always, provide a caring environment for each and every one of our students. We will 'Be There!' for our students and for each other as we get through these unprecedented challenging and difficult times!
Yours in education,
Margaret A. Smith
History
In 1985, although the school system had support from the various chambers of commerce, the new superintendent and school board felt that a more cohesive, county-wide organization was necessary. After thorough research and investigation, a direct-support, private, non-profit organization was formed under Chapter 237.40, Florida Statutes. With the voluntary assistance of an attorney and the school board attorney, Articles of Incorporation were written and filed March 14, 1985.
The original 16-member board of directors included some of the county's most respected business, civic and community leaders working in partnership with the five-member Volusia County School Board. The first meeting of the board took place on March 21, 1985. The school superintendent, school board chairman and school board attorney served as ex-officio members in order to keep close communication with the school district while also maintaining FUTURES autonomy.
The name FUTURES was taken from the term used in the risky commodities market. It suggests that although there is no guarantee of a return on our investment in young people, the promise of future success is great. It is important to note that the future of our nation is increasingly dependent on public support of education.
Back in 1985, the FUTURES board adopted a mission statement and goals, divided into subcommittees, and proceeded to raise money to finance its original budget of $46,225 for its projects. The budget for 2008-2009 has increased to over $400,000. The revised mission statement and goals are printed in the enclosed FUTURES annual report.
Today, FUTURES Foundation for Volusia County Schools continues to encourage business and civic leaders involvement in, understanding of, and commitment to public education. Through education and close involvement with the superintendent, school board and district, individuals can be vocal in their support, not only throughout the community, but in the state, and in Tallahassee.
FUTURES provides an avenue through which individuals in the community can focus their efforts as well as provide financial support for recruitment assistance, scholarship opportunities, and leadership training programs which enhance the quality of education in Volusia County Schools.
Neither local nor state dollars can be used for certain items like recognition and motivational programs which are meaningful to children and staff members. In fact, these are the very kind of things that business and industry have long recognized improve morale and performance, but which school districts are unable to provide. By sponsoring and attending the Teacher of the Year Celebration, the New Teacher Breakfast, student recognition luncheons, and the mini-grant reception, board members enhance the image of public education in the community and raise the level of self-respect held by teachers and other staff members.
Because of FUTURES leadership and support, the community's attitude about our public school system has evolved from one of "benign neglect" in 1985 to one of "committed involvement." FUTURES board members have brought a feeling of renewed dedication and enthusiasm to public education! While the funds FUTURES raises enables the school district to expand its programs and projects, the true value of this organization is that it demonstrates that civic and business leaders recognize that the economic and cultural future of our county is strongly related to the quality of public schools.
As the school board and superintendent set new directions and implement changes, FUTURES provides strong support in the community which enables the school system to be progressive and innovative. FUTURES provides an avenue for citizens to invest in students and to recognize that all Volusia County residents have a stake in the future of our public school system and the growth and development of our community.
The FUTURES Board has been, and continues to be, committed to reaching for the highest standards of educational excellence and has made public education a top priority as it carries out its mission statement "To support educational quality for the Volusia County Public School System by directing resources toward areas of identified need, increasing community involvement and support, and encouraging open communication between the community and our schools."
FUTURES Board of Directors
FUTURES Endowment Policy
FAQS
