We are excited to announce the new administration staff.

Our new Foundation Director, Erin Dunkel, has a master’s degree in Marketing from Johns Hopkins University and a bachelor’s degree in Spanish from the College of William & Mary. With almost a dozen years working in the non-profit sector, Erin has experience in setting organization initiatives, conducting fundraising efforts, managing board, committee, and volunteer activities, and leading marketing/communication campaigns. Erin’s prior experience with REF includes her two years as chair of the REF Marketing Committee. Erin has been a substitute teacher in all the Radnor schools as well as an involved sports parent for her two children that are Radnor High School alumni. She enjoys golf, gardening, and finding time to read.

Our new Foundation Administrator, Liz Stauffer, has a degree in Child and Family Studies from Albright College and a Masters degree in Non-Profit Leadership from Cabrini University. Liz comes to us with a substantial amount of professional experience in the education field and is very excited to learn the ins and outs of the non-profit side of education. An animal and nature lover, Liz enjoys boxing, playing tennis and shooting basketball.

Technology in RTSD Gets $66,000 Boost with Largest Grant in History of Radnor Educational Foundation
The Historic Contribution Impacts Every Student and Faculty Member in Radnor

Every student and teacher in Radnor Township School District now has enhanced access to instructional technology thanks to one of the district’s longest partners and the generous donations of Radnor families, businesses and supporters. Continue reading

Virtual learning is the new normal for our students. And REF is here to make it as impactful as possible.

In spring of 2020, REF granted funds to Radnor Memorial Library to provide online
computer classes for students entering grades 2-5. COVID19 forced all programs to
be held virtually and Radnor Memorial Library was left out of a perennial
“science in the summer” program. Partnering with a local company, RML was able to offer Computer Classes for Kids, providing high quality,virtual, exploration of coding,Google Suite and 3D Modeling. 48 students participated in the classes, and many classes had a waitlist!

Continue reading

Radnor Educational Foundation is pleased to announce the appointment of Mrs. Theji Brennan as Director.

Theji has served as REF’s foundation administrator for the past four years, overseeing the administration of grants and day to day operations of the Foundation.

As Director, Theji will implement REF’s comprehensive fundraising program, manage business relationships, procure funding through the state’s EITC (Educational Improvement Tax Credit) program and execute development activities. She will work directly with REF’s Board of Trustees, particularly the Executive Committee and committee chairs, and will interact with RTSD administration, corporate and community donors, and volunteers. Continue reading

Nearly 40 RHS students officially accepted their summer internship placements at REF Internship Program Commitment Day on June 6. The program is an opportunity for RHS students to gain experience and explore potential careers with local businesses. Each placard lists the name of the organization that will host one of our students as an intern this summer. From Veterinary to Printing, from Digital media to civics…. we have local businesses and non profits engaged with our students to help them learn and grow!

The REF Internship Program is an opportunity for CURRENT sophomores, juniors and seniors to gain experience and explore potential careers with local businesses. The program started in 2015 and has grown over the years. In 2018, 28 businesses and 46 interns participated and 5 students continued to work on a part-time basis during the school year.

The internships range from 1 day of shadowing to 20 hours per week. While many internships are about 6 weeks and paid, each internship is different in terms of start/end date, schedule, total hours, paid/not paid. This information is included in the job descriptions below. These summer internships are a commitment. While there is some flexibility in the schedule for most, these opportunities are to be taken seriously.

Students apply for specific internships by including the numbers corresponding with the internships that are of interest. Take the time to read the job descriptions and research the organizations. We want to make the best match for you and for the participating organizations. There is no limit to the number of internships a student can include on his/her application. The program is accepting the first 75 applicants to go through the interview process. Any current freshman applicants and late applicants will be waitlisted.

An application is not a guarantee of being selected for an internship. There are two rounds of interviews. The first round will take place during the week of April 22 and April 29-30 and is with the internship program managers. Applicants will receive an email early next week to sign up for an interview. Please be sure to bring your resume and the second page of the application (printed and signed by your parent/guardian) to your first interview. The second round is with the internship manager in early May.

A day off for election day in the township, means a day to have fun! Gather your kids and their friends and head in to Wayne!
Radnor Educational Foundation invites all RTSD families to A Day at the Movies on Tues., Nov. 6, 1 p.m. at the Anthony Wayne Theater.

Tickets are $5/person or $20/family. Proceeds benefit the Neighbors Helping Neighbors program.

Support REF and update your fall wardrobe! Shop at SKIRT in Bryn Mawr on Wednesday October 10 from 6 to 8 pm / If you can not attend on the 10th, then shop on Thursday October 11 and mention Radnor Educational Foundation. Thank you for your support.

The Board of Trustees of the Radnor Educational Foundation is pleased to announce that Sheila G. Palmer has joined REF as its new director. Sheila will serve as REF’s chief operating officer, succeeding Dr. Meg Haist. This marks a return to REF for Sheila, who previously served as a Trustee, Vice President and Strategic Plan Committee Chair for the foundation from 2011-2014.

“We are excited that Sheila has joined us as Director” noted John Reilly, President of the REF Board of Trustees. “Her history with REF, knowledge of the Radnor School District, and experience with various stakeholder groups will serve her and REF well as we move forward.”

Sheila grew up in a large family in Rosemont, PA and graduated from Villanova University with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a concentration in Finance. After graduation, Sheila worked for the Philadelphia National Bank (now Wells Fargo) as a corporate banker in the specialized lending group. In that role, she provided corporate banking services to non-profit and private institutions in the Education and Healthcare sectors, primarily in Philadelphia and New Jersey area.

After “retiring” from corporate banking, Sheila immersed herself in volunteer work in the Radnor Township School District particularly in fundraising efforts as President of the Radnor Elementary Parent Teacher Organization, and President of the Radnor Boys Crew Club.

Sheila and her husband live in St. Davids with their three children and dog, Sam. All three children matriculated through Radnor Elementary School and Radnor Middle School. Their two sons graduated from Radnor High School and are currently in college while their daughter is a sophomore at Radnor High School.

Radnor Educational Foundation partners with Radnor’s schools and PTOs. We are Five Schools, One Foundation. This past year we continued to strengthen our partnership through a varied list of grants at all 5 schools. Check out this slideshow to see all that happened in the 2017-2018 school year!

The Radnor Educational Foundation (REF) seeks an enthusiastic, visionary leader dedicated to working with the Board of Directors in fulfilling the Foundation’s mission, vision and strategic direction. The Director will be responsible for planning and implementing a comprehensive fundraising program designed to provide significant income to REF. The Director is the key manager with responsibility for oversight of the annual plan implementation, input into all future planning, and execution of development activities in conjunction with the REF Board of Directors. The Board will support the Director with working committees as defined in the
organization By-Laws.

The Director will report to the President, REF’s Board of Directors and have a close working relationship with the Foundation Administrator, Committee Chairs, Radnor Township School District (RTSD), administrative leaders, donors and volunteers. Work hours will be half time at 25-30 hours/week, with occasional evenings and weekends required. Salary will be determined based on experience and expertise with a range from $26K-$32K.

Responsibilities:

Fundraising and Development

• Plan and implement a comprehensive fundraising program designed to provide REF with significant income (Corporate and Small Business Sponsorship/PA Educational Improvement Tax Credit Program/Foundation/Individual)
• Support and organize volunteers in the implementation of various aspects of the fundraising plan
• Communicate regularly with the Board regarding accomplishments and needs

Networking

• Cultivate relationships with donors and school administrators in support of the fundraising plan
• Attend Radnor functions with the purpose of increasing REF’s profile in the community (i.e. REF sponsored programs, RTSD School Board meetings, PTO meetings, etc.)
• Collaborate with RTSD and other constituents to identify future grant program opportunities

Management

• Strengthen communication of and continuity in the Board’s implementation of the annual plan
• Support the Foundation Administrator as needed to ensure smooth day-to-day operations
• Possess a working knowledge of the grant making process
• Coordinate REF Communications

Candidates should demonstrate leadership qualities and possess excellent communication skills; enthusiasm for REF’s mission and for enhancing Radnor Schools, and a desire to support programming that benefits the overall Radnor community; understanding of the non-profit world and development/marketing experience. The candidate should have strong teamwork/collaborative skills; a charismatic personality; the ability to think outside the box and knowledge of or willingness to learn Microsoft Publisher, Constant Contact, Donor Perfect and Auction software. Familiarity with social media is also a priority.

REF Mission:
The Radnor Educational Foundation’s mission is to secure and provide funding and support to enrich the educational experience, maintain academic excellence and encourage innovative opportunities for the students of the Radnor Township School District.

REF Vision:
The Foundation will support the Radnor Township School District’s commitment to be a world class school district by funding programs that prepare students to compete and succeed in a dynamic global environment. The Foundation will fund programs and initiatives that build a collaborative learning community and outcomes that will positively impact individual students and the community as a whole.

All contacts regarding this position should be directed to The Radnor Educational Foundation. Letters of interest and resumes should be sent to: info@radnoreducationalfoundation.org

Radnor Educational Foundation
135. South Wayne Ave
Wayne PA 19087
Attn: Search Committee
Questions: 610 688 8100 x6036

From John Reilly, Board Chair
Radnor Educational Foundation

It is with a mix of sadness and gratitude that the REF Board of Trustees announces Dr. Meg Haist’s departure as Director of the Radnor Educational Foundation effective summer, 2018. Since joining the organization in February 2014, Meg has had a profound effect on REF, improving us as an organization and encouraging each one of us as we have worked together for the benefit of the students of the RTSD.

Over the next several weeks, we will be conducting a search to find the new Radnor Educational Foundation Director. During this period, it will be our priority to find the best individual to lead our growing organization, building on the progress made during Meg’s tenure with REF. We will share the job announcement soon and ask for your help in identifying a candidate who can help the Radnor Educational Foundation continue along our successful trajectory.

Meg and her husband Steve will be relocating to the Cincinnati area in August, andMeg has agreed to assist between now and her departure to transition to the new director. I personally was sad to hear Meg’s news, but at the same time I am excited for her, Steve, and their family as they set about to write the next chapter of their story. Her commitment to REF, our school district, its students, and each one of us will remain with us as her legacy.

The public is invited to say farewell to Meg and to meet our new trustees at the annual public meeting of the Radnor Educational Foundation at 7:00pm, Thursday, May 24th in theLarge Group Instruction room at Radnor Middle School. Please stay tuned for more news on that meeting and our search for a new Director.

From Meg Haist, Director
Radnor Educational Foundation

After four-and-a-half years with the Radnor Educational Foundation, I recently submitted my resignation to the board in order to take advantage of a career opportunity for my husband, Steve. Leaving my position as Director is decidedly bittersweet; the relationships I’ve developed with REF trustees, Radnor district administrators and staff, teachers, and students, and the chance to work with the many passionate parents, volunteers and donors who sincerely believe in our work have made my experience deeply rewarding. During my time with REF, we’ve grown not only in the number of friends and donors we count among our family, and as a result in the amount we are able to award in grants each year, but also in the depth and breadth of our reach. We’ve continued to fund key educational enrichment programs including STEM, literacy, and cultural and performing arts, adding critical new initiatives that foster student development, including leadership and social and emotional wellness programs. I’m immensely proud to have been part of this evolution.

The people serving on the board at the time of my hiring were clear from the beginning that they wanted to develop as a workingvolunteer board, and I can unequivocally state that we have achieved this goal. With strong board leadership in place, including President John Reilly, treasurer Steve Bevenour, secretary Ava Aljian, and grants chair Brian Pugh (slated to serve as Vice President starting on July 1st with our new year), I know I am leaving the organization in excellent hands, and presenting the new Director with a capable team of talented individuals. My friend and colleague, foundation administrator Theji Brennan, will be invaluable to the person serving in my role.

Finally, the decision to leave did not come easily. During our decade in the area, both Steve and Ihave been faithfully upheld in our endeavors, and have made lifetime friendships. Steve was presented with an opportunity to culminate his career in academic medicine by leading a new regional medical school, and though I regret his acceptance of the position means we will be leaving Pennsylvania, I’m excited and proud to champion his work. I want to express my deepest gratitude to all who have been so supportive of the organization and of me personally during my time with the Radnor Educational Foundation. Without you, REF would not be as strong and vibrant as it is. I’m honored to have been a part of the foundation, and will watch with much excitement and anticipation as you continue to fund possibilities, build futures, and enrich our community.