1991: The Mountain Education Fund (MEF) was formed by concerned parents and educators in response to statewide funding cuts for education. Funds were raised to preserve art education, enrichment programs and provide new computers
and technology needs for the Signal Mountain Schools. MEF served Bachman Elementary, Signal Mountain Elementary, Signal Mountain Middle School, Thrasher Elementary and Red Bank High School.
1992:
The MEF founders adopted a mission statement and bylaws to govern the organization. The first Board of Directors was selected.
Board members included:
Chairman: Less Lee, Jr.
Vice Chairman: Ken Connor
Directors:
Fred Decosimo
Lawrence Hulbert
Anne Caldwell
Margo Gardner
Bome Patten
1994:
MEF formalizes its funding process with the Signal Mountain Schools.
1999:
Nolan Elementary opens and Thrasher Elementary begins serving students in grades K-5. Bachman Elementary and Signal Mountain Elementary schools are closed.
2006:
The Founders Fund is established to raise money to equip the new Signal Mountain Middle/High School.
2008:
MEF is transformed into the Mountain Education Foundation an independent 501(c)3 non-profit corporation. The purpose of the organization has remained unchanged, to provide ongoing financial support to achieve and maintain excellence in Signal Mountain public education.
MEF’s transformation included the creation of a new Board of Directors to manage and oversee the daily operation of the organization and an Advisory Board, charged with the task of assessing the needs in the Signal Mountain schools and allocating funds.
2008:
Signal Mountain Middle/High School opens and Signal Mountain Middle School (formerly known as Signal Mountain Junior High) is closed. The Founders Fund raises more than $3.5 million to equip Signal Mountain Middle/High School and is slated to merge with MEF at the completion of its mission.
2009:
MEF set a new fundraising record and provided more than $200,000 to support the Signal Mountain Schools. MEF endowment fund is created.
2010:
The Founders Fund makes the final disbursements to equip Signal Mountain Middle/High School and merges with MEF.
MEF also creates Signal Mountain Extras (SMX) a new afterschool program designed specifically for middle school students. SMX provides educational, enrichment and tutoring opportunities for students enrolled in 6th - 8th grade at Signal Mountain Middle/High School.
Funding provided by MEF between 1991 – 2010 (rounded to the nearest thousand)
Bachman Elementary (91-99) $77,000
Nolan Elementary (99-10) $715,000
Red Bank High (91-10) $102,000
Signal Mountain Elementary (91-99) $79,000
Signal Mountain Middle & Signal Mountain High (91-10) $623,000
Thrasher Elementary (91-10) $851,000