Our History:

AREF was founded in 1999 by district administrators, staff, friends, parents, and alumni to improve, enhance and advance the education of Alum Rock students. Since then the Foundation has put over $1.8 million dollars to use in Alum Rock.

Past projects have included funding for homework centers, raising over $30,000 to purchase sports uniforms for students, raising $15,000 to help Alum Rock’s Jazz program fund after-school music and summer programs, and serving as the fiscal agent and operating manager for the Even Start program (funded by CA Dept of Ed and Federal grants). AREF also supports the Joseph George science and technology lab, and the Mountain Winery Kids’ Foundation softball and science program.

AREF works collaboratively with district administration and bargaining unit leadership from the Alum Rock Educators Association, the California School Employee Association, and Teamsters. Advisory representatives are being recruited from CSEA, Teamsters, and the ARUSD Management Team. Marc Shaw is the current representative for AREA.

AREF Board of Directors:

Kim Mesa MBA, President
Dorothy Singleton Ed.D, Vice President
Nancy Pang Ed.D, Secretary
Gaye Dabalos, Treasurer
Douglas Campbell, Member
George Castro Ph.D, Member
Tanya Freudenberger, Member
Sandra Stattion, Member

Representatives to the Board:

Frank Chavez, ARUSD Board
Mark Shaw, AREA
TBD, CSEA
TBD, Teamsters
TBD, ARUSD Management Team

Emeritus Board Members

Kathy Chavez Napoli
Betty Howard
Edie Pricolo
John S. Leyba
Marlene Rose

The Superintendent and Trustees of the ARUSD shall serve in advisory capacity to the Board of Directors, with one Trustee serving as a non-voting Director on the Board. (from AREF By-Laws)