Schools foundation seeks new president

The Foundation for Lee County Public Schools is searching for a new leader.

Darlene Grossman, its president for 16 years, resigned last week, citing personal reasons.

Eva Freeman, chairman of the foundation's board of directors, said the board has convened a formal search committee, but hasn't put together a concrete plan for finding someone to replace Grossman. In the meantime, Vice President Teresa Riska-Hall will fill in.

Freeman said Grossman's energy helped grow the foundation's influence.

"She was a very conscientious employee," she said.

The organization, which raises money to enhance educational opportunities for students and teachers and organizes volunteers in the county's schools, has been under Grossman's leadership for most of the years since its founding in 1986.

It now sponsors more than a dozen programs, with the Golden Apple Teacher Recognition awards the most well-known among them. Hundreds of teachers vie to be among the six who win the coveted prize each year. The foundation also distributes School Bucks, a coupon book whose sale benefits local schools, operates a resource center where teachers can get materials for their classrooms, and coordinates mentoring and volunteer programs.

"The foundation is in its 20th year and we're looking at this as an opportunity to get somebody at the helm with new approaches to things," she said. "We're looking at this as a good opportunity for us and for Darlene."

For more information, visit www.leeschoolfoundation.org .