The Lexington Education Foundation (LEF) is an independent, 501(c)(3) charitable organization with a mission to enhance educational excellence for the children of Lexington Public Schools. The Foundation was created in 1989 as a result of growing community concern regarding the effect of Proposition 2 ½ on public education in Lexington and an interest in encouraging and underwriting innovative learning projects.

Since 1991, when LEF started awarding grants, the Foundation has awarded more than $2.7 million to Lexington educators through our competitive grants program. The initiatives we fund are outside the school operating budget and make a difference in enriching math skills, improving literacy, promoting 21st century technology, providing professional development for teachers, supporting the arts, and enhancing social competency.

Grants are awarded in three categories: program grants to teachers or administrators for innovative programming and professional development, community grants to schools for school-wide initiatives, and summer fellowships to teachers for summer study. Grants fund a range of initiatives, from small classroom-specific programs to large district-wide projects. Grant proposals come directly from Lexington educators, and each grant is awarded based on merit as determined by a rigorous review process to ensure that every program funded is high quality, well planned, and efficient in its use of funds.

LEF is directed by a non-salaried board of community members and is supported by contributions from residents and area businesses.

LEF Governance

LEF Board
Since its founding in 1989, LEF has been governed by a non-salaried board whose members serve for specified terms. Assisting the Board in a non-voting, ex officio capacity are the Superintendent of Lexington Public Schools, a School Committee member, and the President of the Lexington Education Association (the teachers’ union). We also depend on scores of off-Board volunteers for help with our programs, events, and publications.

To ensure our programs are relevant and effective, we work closely with Lexington Public Schools. The Foundation is a private, separate entity, however, and makes decisions independently.

LEF Advisory Board
Our Advisory Board is comprised of former Board members who have elected to continue serving LEF in an advisory capacity. We are fortunate that many Advisory Board members were among LEF’s founding directors, and that they continue lending us their talent and support.

LEF Board Members, Staff, and Advisory Board Members