A new chapter is beginning for the district with the official launch of the Jamesville-DeWitt Educational Foundation. The community-led 501(c)(3) nonprofit was created by alumni to expand student opportunities, support educators, and strengthen local partnerships.
“Our alumni have been searching for a meaningful way to give back to J-D, and this foundation is the perfect fit. It allows us to stay deeply connected, support our hardworking teachers and students, and carry the Red Ram legacy forward. We’re thrilled to see what we can achieve when our whole community comes together,” shared foundation members.
Plans to make a difference
The foundation already has a clear focus, with work being driven by a core mission of “Investing in Students, Enriching Education, and Strengthening the Community.”
Enriching Learning Experiences: Providing funding and resources to schools for innovative programs, classroom technology, and student enrichment activities that fall outside standard school budgets.
Student Safety & Family Support: Partnering with school leadership to deliver direct assistance to students and families facing difficult situations.
Supporting Teachers: Funding classroom innovation grants and specialized professional learning opportunities that keep educators inspired and at the forefront of teaching practices.
Alumni Mentorship: As New York State moves toward the NY Inspires framework—emphasizing portfolio-based assessments and practical demonstrations of knowledge alongside traditional testing—the foundation will serve as a critical bridge. By establishing a dedicated mentorship network, it will connect current students with alumni who can offer guidance, share real-world experience, and help students curate work that reflects true career readiness.
“The launch of the Educational Foundation marks an exciting milestone for the district,” shared Superintendent Darcy Woodcock. “Having a dedicated community partner whose goals align so closely with our strategic plan will directly accelerate our success. Beyond the financial support, giving our alumni a structured way to give back and mentor current students creates an invaluable bridge across generations.”
Community Launch Event & Alumnus Honor
To introduce the foundation and share its vision for the future, the community is invited to an inaugural launch event, An Evening Honoring Tom Muench, on Tuesday, Oct. 20 at the Craftsman Inn in Fayetteville from 6 to 9:30 p.m. The evening will feature a special tribute honoring distinguished alumnus Tom Muench for his dedicated service and lasting contributions to the Jamesville-DeWitt school community. Tickets and additional event information are available on Eventbrite.
You can learn more about the foundation by visiting its website at www.jdedfoundation.org. You can also contact the foundation at admin@jdedfoundation.org.
Foundation Executive Committee
- Thomas Greenwood, President
- Cathleen Conger McColgin, Vice President
- Diane Graves Kelly, Treasurer
- Emily Peluso DiMarco, Secretary
- Nate Franz, Assistant Superintendent, District Liaison