Creating great schools requires the right mix of dedicated teachers and staff, relevant instructional materials, engaged students and families, and a community that is willing to invest in the future of its children
Established in 2002, DEF is a non profit, community led organization that operates independently of, but in partnership with, Dare County Schools to raise additional funds to offer services, programs, and opportunities beyond basic state funded education. The Foundation raises funds for 11 schools, 5,360 students, and 987 teachers and staff across Dare County.
Every year our schools rely on participation from our community to reduce the almost $3,400* per student funding gap between what we receive from the state and what it costs to provide quality education to our children
Making great ideas in education come to life by funding initiatives that enhance the experiences of students and teachers in Dare County
Invest in education and the next generation at DareEducationFoundation org
We are proud to share with you our 2021 2022 Annual Report, showcasing the impact of your generosity and collective commitment to advance educational excellence in Dare County Schools
This year, the Dare Education Foundation celebrates our rich 20 year history and every step we ’ ve taken since 2002 to nurture a solid public school system for Dare County In our Annual Report, we revisit our roots and pay homage to our founders parents, teachers, school, and community leaders who saw the ongoing need for support for District level initiatives.
We reflect upon how, during two exceptionally difficult years, we supported our students and community as our Dare County Schools adapted and even managed to find some silver linings. These lessons in strength and resilience are the ones we would like to take with us as we move forward. We can experience difficulty, we can adapt, and we can persevere
At its core, our work is to ensure the District has the funds needed to educate students. Every donation supports a meaningful, well rounded education for our children Our Board of Directors honors our donors by working tirelessly to ensure that these funds are raised and go toward the areas of greatest priority to the community, including affordable teacher housing, professional development opportunities for educators, and student resources.
Thank you to every single person who donated to our schools this year Thank you to those who asked others to make donations, shared excitement about our work with their friends, volunteered on a board or committee, and supported a child’s education
With gratitude,
Barbara Davidson Executive Director
Board Of Education creates Steering Committee of representatives from each school in the County to develop bylaws, secure tax exempt status, and recruit the first Board of Directors, appointing Michael McOwen as Chairman
David Oaksmith, Chair of the Board of Education encourages the development of a County wide foundation that can rally the community to support schools “without getting mired in county politics and playing a unifying role ”
DEF receives 501(c)3 status and seed funding of $6,000 from the Chamber of Commerce in addition to $15,000 from founding individual Dmembers
EF holds its first formal Board meeting with the goals of supporting and funding scholarships, staff development, equipment for instruction, and enrichment activities to support instruction
DEF partners with First Flight Rotary and Elan Vacation Properties to host our first fundraiser a county wide road rally with 40 teams
Funding from the Raymond J. and Mary C. Reisert Foundation supports hiring the first Executive Director
DEF strengthens focus, identifying three main initiatives: “Teacher Academy, “Innovation Grants,” and “Passport to Higher Education,” funding initiatives including musical instruments for Kindergartens, equipment for technical courses such as soldering devices, glass cutters, and weaving tools
DEF recognized by Governor Easley as one of the most valuable partners in education in the state with the Governor’s Education First Partnership Award
DEF establishes an endowment with the Outer Banks Community Foundation to ensure the long term financial security of the organization with initial support from Board Chairman Bill Pfeifer, The James Millis Jr Family Fund, and Ray and Donna Hollowell
DEF establishes an Odyssey of the Mind Fund to support sending three teams to the World Finals in Boulder, CO
DEF begins 21st Century Skills Initiative to better prepare students to meet the global, technological, and socio economic demands of the 21st Century DEF supported projects that moved away from memorization and enhanced collaboration and communication including YouTube, environmental education, and publications projects
Chairman of the Board, Bill Pfeiffer, announces the establishment of the Teacher Academy, making available short and long term projects, seminars, workshops, and online and in person degree programs, including a Master's Degree Program in Special Education at East Carolina University and an Associates Degree in Education at the College of Albemarle DEF aims to increase the percentage of DCS teachers with advanced degrees from one third to half within six years
DEF awards first grant, $2000 to support the Wright Centennial Festival Ensemble, composed of 110 students from across all Dare County Schools performance of “Riding the Winds of December” in celebration of the 100th anniversary of the Wright Brothers first flight
With support from Milton A Jewell, DEF funds training for teachers in the AVID (Advancement Via Individual Determination) curriculum, working towards a district wide roll out of the program
DEF develops Teacher Cadet Program, encouraging Dare County high school students to pursue degrees in education and return to Dare County to teach future generations
First OBX Marathon takes place supporting DEF and the Outer Banks Relief Foundation
DEF holds its first Excellence in Education Awards Celebration at the North Carolina Aquarium on Roanoke Island recognizing volunteers and business partners of the year
First Flight High School selected by the Center for International Understanding to partner with a similar school in China DEF sponsors a visit by English Teacher Jane Shipman and Principal Arty Tillett to Wuxi, China and hosts a visit from Meicun Senior Middle School based there
DEF grant supports music education Former Board member, Frank Gajar, shares his passion for AVID with students DEF breaks ground on Run Hill Ridge Apartments Students build an outdoor classroom with DEF grantMarch 10, 2008
DEF breaks ground on affordable teacher housing, made possible through an initiative of the State Employees’ Credit Union Foundation to provide interest free loans to build affordable teacher housing, and support from the Town of Kill Devil Hills, Outer Banks Community Foundation, Dare County, Dominion North Carolina Power, Office Depot, Mills Construction, North Banks Rotary Club, Raymond J and Mary C Reisert Foundation, RPC Contracting, ER Midgett Insurance Agency, Schwartz & Shaw, and Kellogg Building Company
DEF brings Brandon Mull, best selling young adult author to Cape Hatteras Elementary School
Sep 23, 2010
DEF brings Dan Gediman, nationally acclaimed storyteller and Co Editor of This I Believe to Dare County as a part of an Outer Banks Community Read project
Oct 15, 2010
DEF partners with Dare County Arts Council and the Outer Banks Patrons of the Arts to bring acclaimed cellist Soo Bae to First Flight High School for a free concert alongside the Dare County Youth Orchestra
Run Hill Ridge apartments are fully occupied and first teacher tenants move in
OBXMarathon races draw over 6000 runners, with over 95% of runners coming from outside of the area raising $68,000 for DEF
Outer Banks Sporting Events becomes an independent, non profit after rapid growth
DEF funds exhibit and publishes book of photography, “Flat Tops: A New Perspective” by Manteo High School students
DEF brings early literacy program, Raising a Reader, to First Flight Elementary School in collaboration with Children and Youth Partnership for Dare County and Dare County Schools
Jan 20, 2011
DEF approves terms on loan from the State Employees' Credit Union Foundation to build affordable teacher housing in Hatteras with support from RBC bank and the Outer Banks Community Foundation making initial contributions March 2011 DEF purchases Kindles and ebooks for struggling readers in elementary schools and advances instructional technology Affordable housing project in Buxton is completed and first tenants move in
2012 2013
DEF supports its first multi year grant to create a Minecraft Collaborative at Manteo and Nags Head Elementary Schools and First Flight Middle School
DEF partners with the Outer Banks Community Foundation and Dominion Power to build a greenhouse at Kitty Hawk Elementary School
2017
DEF funds visits to all DCS schools by young adult author, Alan Gratz
DEF funds Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, Math (STEAM) stations at Manteo Middle School
DEF develops a STEAM based summer program for Dare County Schoolsfilled with field trips through support from the Outer Banks Seafood Festival
DEF increases charitable contributions from $35,000 to $100,000 through your support
DEF supports the launch of a District wide, one to one laptop computer initiative with funds for a two day technology conference.
Sept 27, 2016
DEF’s support for international partnership with First Flight’s sister school in China continues, as we host 22 students in a visit to the Outer Banks.
DEF creatively raises funds for schools as five person teams competed in pulling a Douglas 54 F aircraft
DEF partners with the Dare Arts Council and the Bryan Cultural Series to bring Terrance Simien and the Zydeco Experience to all lower schools
DEF adjusts work to support remote learning during COVID, leveraging funds from the Outer Banks Community Foundation to support adaptive technology and WiFi Devices
Your donations help to enhance and inspire student learning.
When making a gift to the education foundation, your contribution supports enhancements to district programs and funds sustainable new opportunities.
Our Board of Directors follows an internal review process in selecting projects and programs to fund to ensure our awards align directly with the goals and mission of Dare County Schools.
2002, we ’ re proud to have provided several million dollars for new opportunities and experiences for students that have inspired new passions and changed lives.
Having a video production studio is a great benefit to the students at First Flight Middle School particularly for those students who run it.
Not only is it a unique space for the middle school but it’s also a hub of hands on skill development for students interested in finding a career path from among its range of production responsibilities such as filming, editing, writing and broadcasting
Morning Announcements Advisor AJ Adams secured a $2500 grant from DEF to replace the nearly decade old equipment and expand the studio’s functionality and capabilities The grants were used to purchase new high powered computers, editing software and new equipment such as cameras to allow for greater mobility in filming and interviewing around the building.
DEF invests in a student-driven video production studio at First Flight Middle School
“When the students have this level of ownership, authorship, and creative control they become passionate about seeing their vision come to fruition. The level of student buy in leads to the level of excellence they are capable of achieving.”
AJ Adams BEFORE AFTERBarbara Davidson, DEF Executive Director, Sherry Thorp, DEF Board Member and Programs Committee Chair, Dianne Childress, First Flight Middle School Principal and DEF Volunteer, and AJ Adams, First Flight Middle School Theater Arts Teacher
English as a Second Language teachers Leah Dias and Mora Newton identified the need for more advanced Spanish and age appropriate books geared towards English Language Learners (ELLs).
They wanted to make a conscious effort to expand their libraries to align to the curriculum but also would more strongly represent the world in which students live and inspire reading A $2000 investment from the Dare Education Foundation funded the teachers’ request to support the purchase of over 100 books that range from middle to high school reading levels
Students helped select books that reflected their many backgrounds and abilities The content of the books both support and enrich the learning that already takes place in the district’s English Language curriculum
“Often times, our ELLs possess literacy skills in their home language and need accessible, yet challenging material to read Most English texts labeled for ESL programs are very low level and low interest. By providing a classroom library with texts that students WANT to read, I hope to encourage an ongoing love for learning while allowing them to access skills and strategies they already possess in their home language. Rather than limiting their options to only the English texts found in many classrooms, I hope to use titles they are interested in to naturally tap into their knowledge and then slide new language, vocabulary, and sentence structure into their brains,” Newton shared.
The following are examples of projects funded in the 2021 2022 school year: READING SUPPORT
Jennifer Augustson, CHES Librarian, $695.71.
New Little Free Library on the playground at CHES.
Long Way Down: Sparking Interest in Poetry.
Lauren Deal, FFHS English 1 Teacher (9th Grade), $210.
Class set of Jason Reynolds’ free verse novel.
Angela Dowdy, MES 1st Grade, $500.
Reading Recovery books for early intervention.
Ellen Bryson, KHES Librarian on behalf of all DCS elementary schools, $2500.
Theme centric books and activities around Hispanic cultures.
Rhys Lamberg, MES 2nd grade educator, $1145
Books to help young readers build word attack skills, comprehension skills, and a love of reading.
Ralph Cleaver, MHS AVID Coordinator, $680
One day field trip to NC State, Wake Tech, and NC Central for AVID students from MHS and FFHS
Hooray for the Hurrah Players
Hollie Writtenberry & Yudialejandra Suarez, MES Bilingual Chorus and Musical Theatre Clubs (4th/5th Graders), $900 Student attendance at the performance of “The Little Mermaid” at the Sandler Center in Virginia Beach
Suzanne Jennette, CHSS Career Development Coordinator, and DECA Co Advisor, $750
Student participation in the out of state international level Community
Ray Richards, FFHS Honors Chemistry/AP Chemistry teacher, $2327
Data collection hardware in the chemistry lab that connects directly with student Chromebooks
Let’s Get Interactive
Shannon Gavetti, CHES EC teacher, $1000 MimeoBoard to integrate technology and enhance student learning
Bringing Ideas to Life with 3D Pens
Carrie Houseknecht, MMS Librarian, $699
3D Pens to give students the opportunity to problem solve, design, and create
Marli Boyd, MES Librarian, $400
High quality document camera to display physical books and other materials on a large scale for all students in the library
Suzanne Blackstock, FFMS 8th grade Social Studies educator, and Hilary Braden, FFMS
IT Coordinator, $1150.
Technology and resources to create history podcasts involving community members.
Objects made at Manteo Middle School using 3D pens through a DEF Grant to Carrie HouseknechtBeverly Hagy and Jessea Waterfield, CHES 3rd Grade, $294.64. Headphones to be used in 3rd grade classrooms.
Laura Piland, NHES 5th Grade Math, $1000. Manipulatives to use in the math classroom to allow students to learn math concepts using a hands on approach.
Marianne Lowe and Hillary Braden, FFMS interventionist and Instructional Technology Facilitator, $1700.
Portable dry erase boards and carts in order to facilitate small group, collaborative learning classrooms.
Kassie Mount, FFMS Assistant Principal, $1000. Provided support for teachers to shadow a student for a day or conduct Learning Walks and observe fellow teachers for a day.
Kimberly Cherington, FFMS Writing Club, $850. Writing and professional publishing of novels and short stories written by students in an after school club.
Kathryn Downing, MHS English teacher and AIG Facilitator, $1400
Equipment to create professional quality books of student writing and art
Alternative Seating and Decompression Area
Alyssa Hannon, FFMS EC educator, $500
Purchased a portable hammock stand for exceptional students who require physical support in order to focus in the classroom
Hollie Writtenberry, MES Music educator, $1250
Variety of world drums and percussion instruments
Katie Blanchard, NHES math interventionist, $1900
Bridges math intervention program that guides instruction for small groups of students
Enriching K in a Multi Sensory Focused Way
Nicole Farrell, KHES Kindergarten educator, $1250
Multi sensory materials to kindergarten classrooms to enrich learning activities and support social emotional learning strategies
Lynn Ramirez, NHES Art Teacher, $746 81
Art materials for student self portrait projects
Kitty Hawk Elementary School students enjoying their sensory learning tools purchased through a DEF grantfor National Board Certification fees
Investing in teachers makes a lasting impact.
When we support our educators, we can continue to recruit high quality teachers and provide every student with a quality education.
These grants inspire teachers and keep them engaged in teaching. They reflect on how they are teaching, connect with why they pursued this profession, and explore what ignites their life long love of learning. Lynn Ramirez did just that when she attended the “Art of Education Now,” a global online conference for art educators awards for professional development conferences and events
for Praxis exam fees
to honor Teachers of the Year
“I was hoping to grow as an educator and be able to share with my team about what I learned. The ideas that sparked me inspired creative lessons in my classroom. This initiated the first ever 'Waverider Art Market.' The students repurposed and recreated donated items and sold them at the Fair at NHES.”
Lynn Ramirez, after attending a global Art Education conference
to support tuition costs in graduate level programs
Thriving school communities start with homes.
Living where they teach would be a fading dream for many Dare County teachers without support from the Dare Education Foundation. Rising rent, lack of available long term rentals, coupled with ongoing teacher shortages continue to create demand for affordable teacher housing.
The Dare Education Foundation made Dare County Schools one of the first districts in the nation to provide affordable housing specifically for teachers It opened the first phase of Run Hill Ridge in 2008 and the second phase in Hatteras was completed in 2011
The apartment complexes were built on vacant lots adjacent to school sites owned by Dare County Schools The monthly rent for the two bedroom, two bathroom units is about 50% less than current market rentals in our community. Currently, the 36 apartments are fully occupied by Dare County Schools educators with a waiting list and a maximum stay of four years.
Jose Rodriguez is one of the fortunate teachers who got a spot in the complex which allowed him to relocate from Columbia to join Kitty Hawk Elementary School where he flourished as a Dual Language Immersion teacher. He was named the Participate Learning Teacher of the Year in July 2020 out of 1500 teachers nationwide. He shared, “I have increased the focus on making a difference outside of the classroom with a specific focus on cultural awareness, the environment, sustainable resources and promoting kindness During ‘Cultural Fridays,’ our guest speakers share information and fun facts about their cultural heritage with students,” said Rodriguez
"I have no words to describe how grateful I am for your OUTSTANDING job. I couldn't have asked for better support and help during my beautiful journey at Run Hill Ridge Apartments. I am sad as well but filled with so much love and best memories that are going to help me grow professionally and as a person ”
Jose Rodriguez shared as his four year term came to an end.
The movement to provide affordable housing for teachers and other school employees is spreading throughout the nation and DEF’s program serves as a model to support quality education. Officials from more than 20 school districts in rural and urban areas throughout the country have contacted DEF in the past year to better understand how they could replicate our program
an opportunity to continue a legacy
DCS students the chance to advance in their education.
From Morgann Owens, MHS $2,500 Mollie Shannon Gallop Scholarship; $1,000 DEF Scholarship ($3,500 total) “Your scholarship has helped me pay in full for my first year at Appalachian State University, allowing me to focus on my academic pursuits. I look forward to being able to give back to our community in the future. Again, thank you for your support and investment in my future.”
From Emily Bayne, CHSS
DEF Scholarship
for choosing
funds will greatly help
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Our work was made possible through the generous support of the following individuals, businesses, and organizations. We are grateful for your support.
Luke Adams
First Flight Adventure Park David and Mary Ahearn Anonymous Albert Austin Awful Arthurs Greg and Ann Ball Donald Barker Hilaire Baxley Beach Mart, Inc , Super Wings Cynthia Beacham Price Stephanie Beasley Barbara Becker Beef Jerky Experience David and Cindy Benton James and Nancy Birindelli, in memory of Fred Smith Suzanne Blackstock Adam Blankenship, in memory of Robin Smith Ellen Bryson Maggie Bryson Dr Sue Burgess Thomas and Debra Cafferty Tim Cafferty Cahoon & Kasten Architects Hayley Carey Carolina Designs Realty, Inc. Regina Cecil Charities Aid Foundation of America Kimberly Cherington Diane Childress Macey Chovaz Citizens Charitable Foundation Citizens One Home Loans Hilary Ray Compto Sam Cortez Country Deli Sydney Cunningham, in honor of Tifanie Kingston Laura Curtis Donna Dalton Dare Literary Council Barbara Davidson Philip Davidson and Joan McRae, in memory of Kathleen McRae Sharon W Davis Nick DeMai Emily DiNoto Downtown Books, Inc Duck's General Store David Dvorin E R Midgett Insurance Agency
Martha Edwards
Dawn Enochs Catherine and Joe Evanoff Nicole Farrell Natasha Farrow Judith Fearing Gayle Felton Daniel Fenyak Judith Flakowicz Gregory Florence William and Jessica Folkes Holly Foubister Frontstream Ashlee Garcia Bruce Gemmill James and Brandy Giddings John and Laurie Graham Nancy Griffin Amy Gross Ann Gunzenhauser, in honor of Whitney Waddington H2OBX Steve Hanf Melissa Haight Hardy Moving Company Kate Harvey George Haynes Linda Heffernan Stroud Katherine Heinrich Henry's Restaurant High Cotton BBQ Hilton Garden Inn Hugh Hirth Jim and Cora Huitt Gail Hutchison Joe Lamb, Jr & Associates Jolly Roger Restaurant Tess Judge, in memory of Warren C. Judge, III Kellogg Building Supply Carolyn Kenan Tifanie Kingston Sandra Kinzel Mary Kitchen Jennifer Kresicki Camille Lambe Susan Lee Benjamin Lipchak and Jessica Sands Lisa's Pizzeria Christine and Robert Lively, in memory of Margaret Hartman Jessica Loose Marianne Lowe
Steve Macdonald Hannah Magee Christy May Elaine and Bob Marrion Joan and Donald Marsh Emily Martin Richard and Sandra Martin Lizaveta Maryskina
Lisa Mathews, in memory of Danielle James Linda Mathias Christie McEwan Thomas McGeachy Paul Miller
MOS Electric L'Tanya Murray Rolando Nacif Network for Good Mora Newton Outer Banks Blue Outer Banks Community Foundation Outer Banks Sporting Events, Inc Catherine Overstreet Janet Penn Juli Perkins Gloria Perry Trey and Laura Piland Peggy Privott John and Susan Pucciano Lynn Ramirez Sabrina Ramirez Leif Rasmussen Susan Rhew, in support of Teacher of the Year awards Jason Rhodes, in honor of Wyatt Rhodes Roanoke Island Woman's Club Nancy Roberson Dan and Ali Roberts, in memory of Gerhard Loose Holly Robinson Mary Trimmer Robinson Cathy Rogers Rob Ross, in memory of Charlotte Ross Saga Community Focus, Inc Laird Sager Salty Hair Salon Skip Saunders, in memory of David Oaksmith Scarborough Lane Shoppes Schwartz & Shaw, PLLC Keith and Chris Seal Betty Selby Lisa Serfling Michelle Shafer Richard Shope David T Shufflebarger
Keri Simmons
Marty Slayton Harold Smith
James and Janice Smith Amanda Songer Southern Shores Realty Frank Spruill Stan White Realty David and Becky Strickland Paige Stroud Zachary Stroud Jessica Summerton Shelly Summerton Honeycutt Sun Realty Carol Sykes Kip Tabb Stephanie Tenpenny Monica Thibodeau Sherry Thorp
John Tucker, in memory of Ed Cowell Jay Tutwiler Twiddy & Company Realtors Beverly and Don Twyne Teresa Twyne United Way of Rhode Island United Way of Southwestern Pennsylvania Pierre Valette John and Heather Vandermyde Leigh Anne and Chip Vincent Jo and Chuck Voigt David and Marcie Warner Jane Webster Crissie Weeks Corinne West Lisa and Jay Wheless Ray and Linda White Brian and Charlotte White Kate Willemain Tom and Pat Wilson Woo Casa Kitchen Z Smith Reynolds Foundation, Inc
The Dare Education Foundation Board represents a cross section of people who live in the Outer Banks, many of whom are raising their children or grandchildren here, and all volunteer their time and energy to enhance Dare County Schools.
Sam Cortez Chair Mary Robinson Vice Chair Benj Lipchak Treasurer Jessica Loose Secretary Nancy Birindelli Director Kara Dehus Director
Dr. Holly Robinson Director Susan Rhew Director
Dr. Zachary Stroud Director
Sherry Thorp Director Joe Tauber Director
Steve Blackstock
Ex Officio Director, term concurrent with Interim Superintendent position
Tim Cafferty
Ex Officio Director, Last past Board Chair
Carl Woody
Board of Education
Appointee, Ex Officio Director
STAFF
Barbara Davidson Executive Director
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