Thank you, Jayda, for all that you have poured into AEF throughout your tenure as our Executive Director. Your impact and contributions were immeasurable and we wish you all the best in your future endeavors and we are so grateful to have you remaining on our board.

Please read the letter below from our Executive Director:

The Avon Education Foundation (AEF) had a wonderful 2023-2024 with so much to celebrate including Supply It Forward, Helping Hands Grants, sponsor retention, and the cultivation of new sponsorships. As we enter the new school year I would like to share plans, changes, and expectations for 2024-2025.

I would like to take a moment to express my deepest gratitude to each of you for allowing me to work for you and with you. Your unwavering support and collaboration this past year has made it an honor to work alongside such dedicated individuals who are committed to enriching the educational experiences of our students.

At a special board meeting, I announced my resignation as the Executive Director of AEF effective October 11, 2024. Please know I am not leaving the foundation, but rather taking a step back from this role, due to personal reasons requiring my attention. A step back does not mean a step away. I believe in AEF’s mission & I will remain a part of the organization as a member of the board of directors to continue the work I started in support of the Avon Schools.

In the coming months, AEF will undergo some changes, but the core elements of our foundation will remain steadfast. The Helping Hands Grant cycles will continue to empower teachers with the resources they need to inspire and engage their students. The Supply Our Schools (SOS) Store will carry on its mission to provide essential supplies, ensuring that every student and teacher has what they need to succeed in the classroom. And most importantly, AEF will persist in its efforts to raise the necessary funds to bring learning to life across our schools.

AEF’s commitment to enhancing education in Avon will remain as strong as ever and I am confident that the foundation will continue to thrive and make a meaningful impact in our school community.

Jayda Sommers

2023-2024 Executive Director