Core Beliefs
- We believe all students can achieve and excel.
- We believe all students can be good citizens and contribute to their community.
- We believe that a vibrant regional economy and globally competitive business community require excellence in Pitt County Schools.
- We believe that the success of Pitt County Schools depends on the commitment of business, community and family.
- We believe that Pitt County Schools must have the very best teachers and principals.
- We believe that Pitt County Schools must effectively utilize state of the art technology.
Overview
In November of 1986, the Pitt County Educational Foundation was incorporated. A Board of Directors, composed of local business and civic leaders, was organized in July of 1987. Kenneth Dews was elected the first chairman with Betty Speir as the Executive Director. Thomas L. Edwards, Lawrence L. Seigler, H. L. Stephenson, III, James F. Hopf, and Dr. Chris Locklear have followed Mr. Dews as chairman. Frances Young assumed the role of Executive Director in 1991 when Ms. Speir retired from Pitt County Schools. Beth Ulffers (music educator of 22 years) assumed the role of Executive Director in August of 2020 when Ms. Young retired from Pitt County Schools.
At its inception, the goal of the new organization was to enhance the services provided by the community to Pitt County Schools. The initial effort of the group to raise funds proved to be successful and over $100,000 was pledged for an endowment and has since grown to over $1 million. In addition, each of the five (now six) attendance areas of Pitt County Schools raised funds to be distributed for mini-grants to teachers for classroom projects. Other projects which were implemented included a Teacher Executive Institute, an annual art competition, health scholarships and numerous monetary and scholastic awards. Large grants were received from the Perkins Foundation, Z. Smith Reynolds Foundation, Belk, Inc., Margaret B. Harvey, Gay and Erskine Love Foundation and Lance Foundation to fund the initial endeavors of the Foundation.
With the direction and support of six superintendents, Dr. Edwin L. West, Jr., Dr. Emmett M. Floyd, Dr. Howard L. Sosne, Dr. Michael D. Priddy, Dr. Beverly R. Emory, and Dr. Ethan Lenker, the Foundation has experienced steady growth and provided services of value to teachers and students of Pitt County Schools.
Pitt County Educational Foundation By-laws
Board of Directors
Mr. Tom Kulikowski, Chairman Mr. Van Smith, Vice Chairman Ms. Patricia Clark Ms. Sarah Davenport Ms. Betsy Flanagan Mr. Jeff Gibson Dr. Andrew Herdman Mr. Jimmy Hite Ms. Molly Holdeman |
Dr. Ethan Lenker Dr. Chris Locklear Mr. Trent McGee Mr. Freeman Paylor Ms. Dawn Raiford Mr. Don Rhodes Mr. Bynum Satterwhite Mr. H. L. Stephenson, III Mr. James E. Tripp, Jr. Ms. Frances Young |
Ex-Officio Members: Debra Baggett, Treasurer Beth Ulffers, Secretary Ms. Alison Covington, Principal of the Year 2022 Dr. Taylor Matkins, PCS Principal of the Year, 2023 Mr. Matt Daniels, PCS Teacher of the Year, 2022 Mr. Clinton Todd, PCS Teacher of the Year, 2021 |
Areas of support: Mini-grants Scholarships General Endowment |
Pitt County Educational Foundation
Beth Ulffers, Executive Director ulffersb@pitt.k12.nc.us 1717 West 5th Street Greenville, NC 27834 252-830-4223 (w) 252-999-0653 (c) |