The Putnam County Charter School System (PCCSS) Foundation announced early this month that it has officially relaunched as the Putnam Education Foundation (PEF).
Originally established in 2019, PEF underwent a strategic evolution to better serve as the premier philanthropic partner for PCCSS. This relaunch marks a renewed commitment to providing the “extra mile” of funding to ensure Putnam County’s students and teachers have the resources to perform beyond the limitations of standard state and local budgets.
The launch comes during a period of significant growth for the district under the leadership of Superintendent Derick Austin.
“The community has always been the heartbeat of our schools,” Austin said. “The Foundation provides a transparent, impactful way for local businesses and families to support the specific programs that make our charter system special.”
As a charter school system, Putnam County is known for its innovation and student excellence, as well as showing a commitment to experiential learning. The PEF was created to protect and expand these unique opportunities, ensuring that every student from Primary to High School has the tools to be “Putnam Proud.”
The PEF will focus its inaugural efforts on:
• Teacher Innovation Grants: Funding classroom projects to bring great ideas to life and meet the diverse learning needs of varied students;
• Opportunity Fund: Removing financial barriers for students to participate in extracurriculars, technology competitions, and college visits; and
• Financial Literacy Initiative: Equipping students with essential money management skills and a fiscal foundation needed for lifelong financial understanding.
“Our school system has been recognized as a state leader in literacy and board excellence,” PEF Chairman and former PCCSS Superintendent Eric Arena said. “By launching this foundation, we are inviting the community to play an active role in that success. We aren’t just funding schools; we are investing in the future of Eatonton and Putnam County.”
The Putnam County Education Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Community members can celebrate the launch by becoming Founding Donors or volunteering for upcoming committees.
For more information, to make a tax-deductible donation, or to learn how to get involved, visit putnameducationfoundation.org.