Announcements Archive

Announcements: 3/30/2026

NEWS

Board of Education Meeting 3/16

Board President Eric Arena was invited to present at the March 16 PCCSS board work session. See the presentation slides at the link below. 

PEF Presentation for 3/16 PCCSS Board session

First Teacher Grant Cycle Opens for PCCSS educators

• On March 17, 2026, applications opened for our first round of Teacher Grants. The deadline for this first round of grants is on March 31 at 5 p.m., and we will award the grants before spring break. 

• As of 3/30/2026, we have received 23 applications!

• For more information, see: Newly Relaunched Putnam Education Foundation Opens First Teacher Grant Cycle! - Putnam Education Foundation 

BOARD ACTION NEEDED!

We have compiled a list of local organizations we would like to get involved in the PEF relaunch. Click the link below to access the editable list: 

Organization Outreach Sign-up

If you have connections to any of these organizations and/or would be willing to contact them, please edit the document and add your name and any relevant notes beside the organization.

Announcements: 2/3/2026

Upcoming PEF Board Meeting

Tuesday, February 10
11 a.m. - 1 p.m. (PEF will provide lunch)
Board of Education Conference Room
158 Old Glenwood Springs Road, Eatonton, GA 31024

Main objectives:

• Expanding the board to 15+ members (brainstorming potential candidates and sharing the process for recruiting them)

• Fundraising and Outreach

• Timeframe for foundation public launch

Board Member Task Checklist

• Help build the Board! Please share the following link on social media, or by email to anyone who may be a good fit: PEF Looking to Expand Board of Directors - Putnam Education Foundation  

• Complete the Board Member Contact Information and Matrix form.  (Thank you to those who have completed the form as of 2/3/26: Dave Ringer, Sandra Parham, Janet Kelhoffer, Derick Austin, and Avis Williams!)

• Complete the Annual Policy Agreements and Gift Pledge form. (Thank you to those who have completed the form as of 2/3/26: Dave Ringer, Janet Kelhoffer, Derick Austin, and Avis Williams! Also, thank you to Dave Ringer, Janet Kelhoffer, Avis Williams, and Kevin Tomson-Hooper for their donations to PEF, and to Eric Arena for participating in the PEACH Tax Credit benefitting PEF.) 

News

The tax-exempt status of Putnam Education Foundation has been reinstated, retroactive to November 15, 2020. If you need a copy of the new IRS determination letter, it is available on the Bylaws and Policies page. As of 2/3/26, the organization's status has not yet been updated on the IRS online tax-exempt organization database.

Announcements: 1/26/2026

Board Member Task Checklist

• NEW POLL for Board Retreat Date: Please indicate your availability for a 4-hour block between 9am and 8pm for the days listed in the calendar survey.
  Enter Availability HERE

• Help build the Board! Please share the following link on social media, or by email to anyone who may be a good fit: PEF Looking to Expand Board of Directors - Putnam Education Foundation  

• Complete the Board Member Contact Information and Matrix form.  (Thank you to those who have completed the form as of 1/26/26: Dave Ringer, Sandra Parham, Janet Kelhoffer, and Avis Williams!)

• Complete the Annual Policy Agreements and Gift Pledge form. (Thank you to those who have completed the form as of 1/26/26: Dave Ringer, Janet Kelhoffer, and Avis Williams! Also, thank you to Dave Ringer, Janet Kelhoffer, Avis Williams, and Kevin Tomson-Hooper for their donations to PEF, and to Eric Arena for participating in the PEACH Tax Credit benefitting PEF.) 

News

UPCOMING BOARD RETREAT

We hope you are all excited about building on the great start we have had with PEF. Here is a brief overview of the objectives and proposed agenda for the retreat:

Retreat Objectives:

• • • Create a Shared Vision for PEF

    • Agree on Priority Objectives: 6 months/1 year

    • Set Board meeting dates through June

Proposed Agenda

4pm Intros/Overview

4:30p SOAR Activity

5:30p Practical Vision

6:30p Priority Objectives

7:30p Closing

REINSTATEMENT OF TAX-EXEMPT STATUS

The tax-exempt status of Putnam Education Foundation has been reinstated, retroactive to November 15, 2020. If you need a copy of the new IRS determination letter, it is available on the Bylaws and Policies page. As of 1/26/26, the organization's status has not yet been updated on the IRS online tax-exempt organization database.