About FTS
MISSION
The Foundation for Tulsa Schools provides community support for innovative teaching and other initiatives that enhance the learning experience for Tulsa Public Schools students.
CORE BELIEFS
We believe in supporting scholarship, academic achievement, and the development of the intellect.
We believe in providing incentives for attaining and sustaining excellence in education.
We believe in awarding teachers the resources to acquire supplemental classroom resources.
We believe in contributing to unique programs and facilities that create innovative educational environments.
We believe in encouraging staff development activities in direct support of instructional programming efforts.
HISTORY
The Foundation for Tulsa Schools (FTS), a community based 501(c)(3) nonprofit was formed March 29, 2001. The purposes for which it was formed include, but are not limited to the following:
- Enhancing the educational programs of Tulsa Public Schools
- Enlisting community support and business assistance in providing additional educational resources and opportunities
- Communicating the need for continued community involvement in the process and mission of providing a first class public education
- Facilitating the goal of providing an excellent education by raising revenues to increase the educational opportunities
To date, FTS has raised nearly $6,000,000.
The Tulsa Education Fund (TEF), a community based 501(c)(3) nonprofit was formed April 27, 1987, The purpose was to be a catalyst for excellence in public education in the Tulsa area. Based on recommendations made by a two-year Metropolitan Tulsa Chamber of Commerce study which looked at ways to advance the quality of public education in all 15 school districts of Tulsa County, TEF was formed. It was based on the premise that, because public schools are critical to the future of our democratic traditions, education is a community responsibility. Therefore, the organization's broad mission was to invest community resources in educational quality, creativity, and innovation During its 15-year existence, TEF invested over a million six dollars in public education initiatives that otherwise would not have been available. The programs they funded were Grants for Great Ideas, Special Projects, Innovation Partnerships, and Learning Institutes.
In late 2001, the two organizations decided to pursue consolidation since they provided similar services, raised money from the same constituencies, and realized that there was some confusion among contributors and supporters as to the need for both organizations. The two boards began negotiations and concluded that the two should consolidate. Both boards approved the consolidation, and agreed that TEF would cease to operate and would join FTS as the surviving entity. FTS further agreed to continue the four programs previously funded by TEF in addition to new programs already begun by FTS. The combined boards look forward to expanding programs due to the consolidation.