The Fullerton Education Foundation (FEF) connects community partnerships with Fullerton School District teachers enriching education opportunities for all FSD students. Founded two decades ago in cooperation with former FSD Trustee Hilda Sugarman, their motto “Educate, Innovate, Captivate” reverberates in various projects like the FSD student-led “Tiny House Project,” where students and community members built a fully functional tiny house currently in use by an FSD student family, the Monster writing and art project (see below), and their Legacy Grants that honor Fullerton community members whose actions and service inspire others to make Fullerton a richer educational and community service-oriented environment.

The FEF Legacy Grants were introduced in 2016 to honor Assistant Superintendent, Dr. Craig Bertsch, and retired FSD teacher, Zoe Pilafas, with $1000 grants made available to FSD teachers with the themes of “Rock n Roll” and “Driving Force.” The grant’s theme reflects the honoree’s interests. Teacher recipients use the money for field trips, classroom book sets, or other enrichment experiences.

The FEF board includes educators, local community members, and student representatives and makes the final determination of the dispersal of the grants in early October. After a 4-year hiatus, FEF highlighted three community members as 2024 Legacy Honorees.

FEF celebrated Mrs. Ellen Ballard with the theme of “Literacy and Learning” honoring the retired teacher and former FSD School Board Trustee’s dedication to Fullerton students’ education reflected in her recent support and commitment to the reopened Hunt Library location.
Mr. Minard Duncan’s theme

“Empowering Connections” reflects the retired FSD Trustee and educator. Mr. Duncan has spent 50+ years educating and creating powerful community partnerships serving Fullerton families in need.

The late Mrs. Shirley Owens McClanahan whose theme, “Making a Difference,” reflects her commitment to Fullerton youth as founder of the Leon Owens Foundation, Owens Scholarships, and Shoes4Kids Project.
You can donate to the FEF at https://fullertoneducationfoundation.
networkforgood.org