For more than 25 years, the Foundation for Better Schools in Upshur County has been a quiet but powerful force in supporting local education. Established in 1997, this non-profit organization has consistently worked to bridge the gap between community resources and educational needs — and it has become even more crucial in light of recent funding challenges faced by the county’s school system.
The Foundation for Better Schools was created as a way to fill in the gaps after the Upshur County Schools excess levy failed to pass in the mid-1990s. More than two decades later, the organization finds itself back in that role after county voters once again rejected the school funding measure last spring, ending 20 years of levy funding.
Don Nestor, the Foundation’s president and a local CPA, explained the organization’s mission: “We’re here to meet the needs that aren’t covered otherwise. Our goal is to be flexible and to make it as easy as possible to support our kids. We’re all about helping students.”
The Foundation operates as a 501(c)(3) organization, allowing it to accept tax-deductible donations from individuals, businesses and even other foundations. This unique position enables it to serve as a conduit for funds that might not otherwise be available to public schools.
Over the years, the Foundation has supported a wide range of projects across Upshur County’s schools:
- Educational Equipment: From helping provide large instruments for the school band to funding other education needs, the Foundation has helped equip classrooms with the necessary tools for learning.
- Innovative Programs: The organization recently approved $2,700 for a future therapy dog program at Buckhannon-Upshur Middle School.
- Travel and Experiences: The Foundation has funded travel for educational purposes, including seminars for staff.
- Backpack Program: For several years, the Foundation managed a backpack program, ensuring students had access to food over weekends and holidays.
Kelley Tierney, vice president of the Foundation and a local State Farm Insurance agent, highlighted the organization’s longtime role in the community.
“People want to help, but maybe they don’t know how to help,” Tierney said. “We can bridge that gap. And we’re local; people know us. Our board meetings are open, and we actually have several community people who are not board members attend. It’s not this big, sequestered group, and I think that helps with the trust issue.”
A teacher, administrator or other group seeking funding can simply fill out a request form and submit that to the Foundation, which will then discuss it amongst the board of directors. The school system is also consulted about potential projects.
The Foundation’s impact extends beyond direct funding. It also serves as a liaison between the community, the schools and the central office. This allows it to facilitate communication and ensure that resources are directed where they’re most needed and can be most effective.
“We try to cover all the bases so everybody’s connected,” he said, citing a recent request to repair a piece of athletic training equipment that involved connecting the school with a community group that could possibly help.
Looking to the future, the Foundation is exploring new ways to support education in Upshur County. Ideas under consideration include a teacher recognition program and a campaign to provide shoes for students in need.
The Foundation’s board meets at 10 a.m. on the first Friday of every month at the Upshur County Public Library, with meetings open to the public.
For those interested in learning more about the Foundation’s work or how to get involved, information is available on their Facebook page.
