A note from Tim Eby, Executive Director with the Special Education Foundation:

Last Friday marked my third anniversary as Executive Director of the Special Education Foundation.

First, I am honored to have been entrusted with the responsibility to lead this organization.

SEF is a more impactful organization than it was in April 2022, and this growth is a testament to the dedication and hard work of our board, staff, volunteers, and supporters. We’ve focused much of our work on building SEF from the inside, concentrating our efforts on helping students and their families who are most in need of our support.

Thanks to our collective efforts, we have successfully funded three new programs: Arts in the Classroom | SEF Presents, The Mobility Project, and the Autism Independence Project. Although these programs are relatively new, they have already made a significant difference in the lives of our students and their families, and we should all take pride in this achievement.

We’ve helped overcome barriers to participation in the Fred Saigh Leadership Academy by providing transportation to several of our students from their homes to the SSD Central Office, and we continue to offer these incredible students unique opportunities to develop and grow their leadership skills.

We’ve also added a new post-secondary scholarship for Leadership Academy graduates, named in honor of Jane Vickrey, a dedicated SEF board member and volunteer who passed away last year.

We’ve expanded our funding for our Critical Needs program, which includes the Winter Coat Drive, Food Baskets, Personal Care Drive, and other support that has helped students and families.

Our Classroom Innovation Grants bring innovative ideas from educators across St. Louis County to students in SSD schools and most of the 22 partner school districts in the county.

Through the generosity of their time, talents, and treasures, SEF’s Women Leaders supported numerous projects in the SSD Schools with our Principal Grants.

Plus, our Adaptive Equipment and Audiology program assists dozens of students each year with specialized equipment and hearing aids.

Our amazing team has worked diligently to increase awareness of SEF across the SSD community, from families to educators, and established and expanded several partnerships that have increased SEF’s impact.

There is still plenty of work to be done, but I’m proud of what we have accomplished over the past 36 months and look forward to working with all of you to empower and assist even more students.

I am grateful to the many individuals, businesses, and foundations that support and believe in our mission. Thank you!