The idea of 21st century classrooms — that’s the new vision of the Richmond County Schools Education Foundation. The Foundation has re-convened during the last few months, and members of are excited about the organization’s new vision of placing the latest and best in technology in as many Richmond County classrooms as possible.

As members gear up for the annual Educators Golf Tournament to be held June 15, they hope that the community will support efforts to prepare students for the 21st century higher education and jobs.

Originally founded in 2002, the Education Foundation came to be as the result of a bond-forfeiture. For several years, under the direction of past president Claudia Robinette, the Education Foundation distributed teacher grants to as their way of supporting education in the county.

But after electing new officers last December, with Priscilla Kindley, of Southern Builders, serving as the new president; Butch Farrah, of Four Oaks Bank, serving as vice president and Pam Satterfield, Richmond County Schools, serving as treasurer; the Foundation saw a need to change the scope of the organization’s efforts with a new focus on interactive technology in every classroom.

School districts receive state funds to maintain technology systems, but purchasing equipment that students and teachers can use must come from other sources of funding. The Foundation members view this technology as a long-term  investment that allows them to continue to support public education in a meaningful way.

“The Education Foundation has always played an important role in supporting education in Richmond County,” said Superintendent Dr. George E. Norris. “We are especially excited for what they seek to do for our schools in the near future.”

In February, members voted unanimously to finance the installation of interactive technology in each of the classrooms at the Richmond County Ninth Grade Academy. The project will outfit all of the Academy’s classrooms with a plasma screen that teachers and students can use during classroom instruction. Each classroom will also receive interactive slates that students can use. All of the teachers will be provided with extensive training.

Kindley, discussed the importance of placing technology in as many schools as possible.

“I am passionate about the fact that with the 21st century upon us, our students have to be prepared to face the ever-advancing world around them.  Everyone knows that we are facing some serious economic times but our children's education cannot be compromised.”  Kindley said. “They are our future and it is our complete obligation to supply them with every tool possible to be ready to enter college and/or the workforce.  

Kindley said she wants educators in Richmond County to know that the Foundation supports interactive technology, and hopes to assist as many schools as possible with their specific technology needs.  

The Educator’s Golf Tournament and the Endowment football game are the Foundation’s major fundraisers.  Letters and advertisements are already circulating about the golf tournament, including information concerning sponsorship opportunities.  The Foundation hopes that the community will come together and support these events so that they can continue with their vision of 21st century classrooms. To learn more about the Education Foundation, and its programs, call 582-5860 or visit the Richmond County Schools website, www.richmond.k12.nc.us.