SEF Board Meetings are held at 7:45am in the Sparta Schools Administration Board Room. Please note Grant Presentation dates and application deadlines. See the Grants page on the website for application information.

It is with great pleasure and excitement that Sparta Education Foundation (SEF) introduces our very first executive director, Mr. Matthew Hayes. Matt comes to us highly recommended by references in both the business and private sectors. He is a proven leader, having worked in multiple executive-level positions helping organizations grow and adapt to changes in complex environments. Matt is passionate about education. He has a bachelor of science degree in science education, a master of science degree in environmental science, and strong family ties to education. Matt is also dedicated to communities. He has applied his training and expertise cleaning up contamination in the environment, educating people and companies about safety and environmental stewardship, and for nearly two decades, working for an Alaska Native corporation providing benefits to Alaska Native organizations and their peoples. Currently, he is a small business owner investing in real estate which allows him the flexibility to bring his passion, energy, and executive expertise to the SEF.

The addition of an executive director came about after more than a year of research and exploration by the SEF board of directors. During that time, the SEF worked directly with a consultant to evaluate our needs as an organization and research the economic feasibility of adding such a position. We also sought input from the Johnson Center of Philanthropy at GVSU as well as education foundations throughout Michigan to determine how an executive director might fit with our organization and enhance our ability to reach our mission of “Providing Extras for Education.” The board voted unanimously to move ahead, and in January we began the search. After a lengthy application and interview process, the SEF board of directors voted unanimously to extend an offer to Mr. Hayes to become executive director.

The role of executive director is new to our board, and the decision to move in this direction did not come easily. Our research suggests that adding an executive director to an organization such as SEF results in increased giving. We understand that change like this takes time. The executive director will be working side by side with our committees and under the direction of the board of directors. Ultimately, our expectation is that the addition of this role will raise the visibility of SEF and enhance communications between SEF, the Sparta Area Schools, and our community. It will also aid us in developing and maintaining long-term relationships with our donors and identify new sources of funding thus allowing SEF to expand our grants and impact the learning of Sparta students for decades to come.

Matt has hit the ground running. His official first day was March 6. He has attended committee meetings, arranged tours of the schools for himself in order to get to know the staff and see Sparta Schools in action, and most recently, he and his wife, Tina, spent the day volunteering at RetroBowl where they were able to meet some of our families and teachers while participating in our biggest fundraiser of the year. They were a much appreciated presence at what turned out to be another successful event.

A huge thank you to all those involved in supporting this year’s RetroBowl. We would especially like to thank the many businesses and families who supported us financially, with door prizes, and with their time.

Sparta Education Foundation is very excited about the prospects that this new partnership will bring to the Sparta community in general and to Sparta Area Schools specifically. We wholeheartedly believe that it is our students who will most greatly benefit from this alliance. Please join us in welcoming Mr. Matt Hayes to the Sparta Education Foundation and our community.

LeAnn Kitson, President

Sparta Education Foundation

Like us on FACEBOOK to learn about our upcoming events!