LACEY – A new nonprofit organization is born in Lacey Township, founded in part by none other than newly-elected Board of Education member Regina Discenza.
The Lacey Education Foundation has recently been approved as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, built and operated by volunteers. According to a release from the Foundation, it will be an alternative source of revenue for the students of the Lacey Township School District.
The LEF mission statement is as follows: “The Lacey Education Foundation was founded in 2018 to support educational excellence in the Lacey Township Public Schools. Serving as a bridge between our community and the schools, LEF encourages public and private philanthropy to enhance public education for students at all levels.”
Discenza currently acts as a trustee for the organization alongside four other individuals including, Robert J. Paladino, Donna McAvoy, Domenick R. Biava, and Cyndi Sabatelli.
Discenza was one of two victors in the recent General Election on Nov. 6 for seats on the Lacey Township Board of Education. This is Discenza’s second time on the school board. Joining her is newly-elected resident Frank Horvath.
According to the Foundation, it has taken a lot of work over 11 months to gain approval and an official nonprofit status. While Discenza still currently acts as a trustee for the organization, she told Jersey Shore Online she plans to resign from the foundation when she officially takes her seat on the board come 2019.
“The Foundation’s endeavors are restricted to financial projects that further student achievement,” stated the release.
The Foundation’s first project is called “Technology for Digital Learning in the 21st Century,” which will help fund the purchase of new Chromebooks for the district’s students. Each Chromebook cart that holds 30 Chromebooks can cost the district approximately $6,000, according to trustee Donna Campo McAvoy.
For more information, to volunteer, or to donate, visit the LEF website at laceyeducationfoundation.org.
