Education Foundation, Yes We Can! Dothan, And Adopt-A-School! Dothan To Merge
By: Stephen Crews
Updated: July 25, 2012
Effective October 1, 2012, The Education Foundation for Dothan's Future, Inc., Yes We Can! Dothan, and Adopt A School! Dothan will become one new organization.
The change will allow the new organization to combine the history and organizational structure of the Ed Foundation with the success and grassroots support of YWCD and AASD.
Tom Ziegenfelder, a veteran leader for both the Ed Foundation and YWCD, will serve as chairman until the Board can formalize their operations and hold elections. Mr. Ziegenfelder stated, "This is an exciting opportunity for everyone involved in supporting Dothan City Schools.
The new structure will allow us to merge the strengths of these three organizations, continue the most successful aspects of each entity, and move forward with new, exciting ideas to support our schools. We also believe this will eliminate the confusion that sometimes results from three hard-working groups conducting programs and seeking support for Dothan City Schools all at the same time."
Though legally and physically housed under the Education Foundation, both YWCD and AASD will retain their unique purposes. "But we will speak with one voice to this community to improve our schools," according to Mr. Ziegenfelder.
To get the new organization off to a solid start, the Education Foundation's existing revenue budget will be assisted by a $175,000 grant from Wiregrass Foundation, to be paid over four years. Wiregrass Foundation will further assist the new organization by providing salary and benefit support for a full-time Executive Director for a period of two years.
The search for the Executive Director, whose duties will include administration of all programs, development of new initiatives, and a heavy emphasis on continual fundraising, will begin immediately.
