EEF is a non-profit organization committed to providing direct financial support to help the Evansdale Elementary School realize its full potential. Every dollar raised and decision made is driven by our love and passion for current and future Evansdale students.
The Evansdale Education Foundation (EEF) was established in 2010 to partner with parents, administrators and teachers to support our beloved school. As an independent body we have the capacity to fund staff and other vital school needs over and above what can be funded by DeKalb County and the Evalansdale PTA. Since 2010 we have employed supplemental teachers, provided equipment, and funded entire modernization projects. The EEF serves a vital role in maintaining the quality of education we aspire for our children.
Higher Education Sustainability
to act as a voice of the Evansdale Community, faculty, and PTA
to identify, prioritize, and address the most critical needs for our school
to expand student academic enrichment and interpersonal experiences
to promote student diversity, compassion, creativity, and discovery
to operate with openness, inclusion, respect, and integrity
to provide clear guidelines and financial oversight on long term achievements
Contributing our time for a better Evansdale
The board of the Evansdale Education Foundation, according to its bylaws can be as few as 3 and as many as 21 members. Some members serve as chairs of committees, while other members are considered “at large members” and contribute their time serving on multiple committees, stepping up to volunteer for tasks as needed, or simply learning the ropes.
The foundation board usually meets once a month. However, during “crunch” times, such as Eagle Trek, board nominations period, or during the hectic time when the school receives its staffing information for an upcoming school year, the board might meet 2 or more times a month. Likewise, particular committees sometimes meet more often when working towards a deadline or goal.
All Evansdale Education Foundation members welcome input, comments, and suggestions about how we can better work with you to achieve our mission.
President
Candice Gardner joined the Evansdale Education Foundation Board in the 2021-2022 school year. Candice believes volunteering is the most immediate way to give back to the community in which she lives and works. Candice is an Atlanta native and moved to the Evansdale community in October 2019 with her husband Ricci, daughter Savannah and son Dion. Savannah, 6, attends Evansdale and is in the French Immersion Program. Dion, 3, attends the Coralwood School. Candice graduated from Georgia State University where she earned a Bachelor of Business Administration. Her career has spanned multiple industries including Hospitality, Banking and Consulting. She currently works as a Project Manager for an Electric Utility Co-op based in Tucker. When she’s not working she enjoys spending time with her family, trying new restaurants, traveling and gardening.
Principal / School Liaison
April McCarthy has been working in education for eighteen years, fifteen of which have been in the DeKalb County School District. She came to Atlanta from Gainesville, FL with her family in 2005 and began working at Coralwood School and Diagnostic Center as a special education teacher. After working at Coralwood for 10 years, Mrs. McCarthy moved to Briar Vista Elementary School as the assistant principal from 2015 – 2019. During the 19-20 school year, Mrs. McCarthy served as the assistant principal at Pleasantdale Elementary while they prepared for a big move to a new building. In July of 2020, Mrs. McCarthy was named the proud principal of Evansdale Elementary school! She is so excited to be part of this dynamic and diverse community!
Secretary
Natalie Culpepper is Secretary for the Evansdale foundation and the proud parent of two Evansdale Eagles. Natalie’s relationship with the foundation began in 2011 when her oldest child began Kindergarten at Evansdale. Through the last 11 years Natalie has volunteered with the foundation for yearly events, has served as an At-Large member of the foundation and currently as a Co Secretary. Natalie believes the dedication and partnership of the foundation with Evansdale Elementary continues to support a thriving community for all students at Evansdale Elementary.
Community Representative
Melissa Bachman has been working in education for 32 years and has worked as an Academic Coach and Teacher at Evansdale since 2016. She lives in the attendance zone, and all three of her children are Evansdale alumni. She has provided school leadership for the Evansdale School Improvement Plan as well as STEM initiatives and certification. She is passionate about the Evansdale community and dedicated to helping every Evandale student succeed.
Investment Chair
Mike Niebuhr joined the Foundation during the 2020/2021 school year and became the Investments Chair in 2022. He and his wife share a commitment to strengthening public education, and see the Foundation as a key way to do that in partnership with our community. His son, currently in 4th grade, has been an Evansdale Eagle since kindergarten. Mike graduated from the University of St. Andrews, Scotland with an M.A. in International Relations and Modern History. He currently works for a major Atlanta based airline.
Co-Secretary
Dana Bamford joined the Evansdale Education Foundation Board during the 2021-2022 school year. Dana is a graduate of the University of Georgia and completed her graduate work in School Psychology at the University of Southern Mississippi. Dana and her husband Mike moved into the Evansdale area in 2013 and have two children Declan, 9, a 4th grader in the French Immersion Program and Margot, 5, a Pre-k student at Evansdale. Dana is a Board-Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) and spent many years working at the Marcus Autism Center but is currently a BCBA for Atlanta Public Schools. When she’s not working, she enjoys spending time with her family and friends, watching football, specifically the Georgia Bulldogs and Pittsburgh Steelers, and attending Broadway shows.
Treasurer
Susan Richardson joined the EEF board in the 2022-2023 school year and is the proud mama of two Evansdale Eagles. Susan graduated from the University of Georgia with her BBA in Accounting and a Masters of Taxation. She is a CPA and the tax director at a software company. Susan is also involved with the PTA and is passionate about helping our neighborhood school thrive.
Systems Architect / Webmaster
Teacher / Faculty Rep
Our foundation is made possible by the hard work and contributions of parents and community members like you. Please contact us if you are interested in volunteering, or complete our Foundation Interest Form if you would like to fulfill a vacancy on our board!
Evansdale Education Foundation (EFF) is a non-profit organization committed to providing direct financial support to help Evansdale Elementary School realize its full potential.
CharityNavigator.org
EIN: 27-3553574
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