SHEF Renaissance
We are excited to introduce a new team of trustees and announce a renewed commitment to support all K-12 students in the Somerset Hills School District. This school year we welcome a new superintendent, Dr. Brian Brotschul, an upgraded website and fresh initiatives that build community and IMPACT education culture at all three schools: Bedwell Elementary, Bernardsville Middle School and Bernards High School.
SHEF Mission
The Somerset Hills Education Foundation's (SHEF) mission is to promote and provide education opportunities through innovative programs and projects that benefit students of The Somerset Hills School District by encouraging excellence, facilitating access to creative learning and teaching, fostering students development; building community and business partnerships and raising awareness of educational challenges and solutions.
Building Bridges For Better Education
Since 1996
SHEF is Non-Profit
We believe that education can empower individuals, broaden horizons, and pave the way for social progress.
Independent and run by local volunteers, SHEF is best positioned to:
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Secure financial support through fundraising campaigns, revenue earning events and corporate matching programs
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Engage in partnerships with community stakeholders with aligned values to increase social footprint and share resources
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Fulfill SHSD needs for student impact with innovative grants and programs
What We Do
We Encourage Our Students To Stand On Their Toes And Reach For The Stars...
ACADEMIC
EXCELLENCE
Support student success by fostering a safe and inclusive learning environment and promoting a positive teacher culture
CHARACTER
DEVELOPMENT
Facilitate student
development by complimenting core curriculum education with network building programs like mentorships, apprenticeships and SEL
CROSS-CURRICULAR FUNDING
Establish life long learning practices by supplementing cross-curricular education projects in the arts, literacy, STEM and professional development.
SCHOOL & COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIP
Provide a platform for community engagement about the challenges to education our students face today and the equitable solutions that improve student outcomes
SHEF Board of Trustees
SHEF is managed by a group of committed trustees who along with a host of other volunteers, donate their time and expertise to the organization.
For information on becoming a SHEF Trustee, please email SHEF at info@shefnj.org.
EX-OFFICIO
TRUSTEES
Olga Christie
CHAIR
Ashley Galloway
SECRETARY
Ruth Melillo
FUNDRAISING and EVENTS
Tali Ben-Shimon
EDUCATION and ARTS ANALYST
EX OFFICIO
Brian Brotschul
SUPERINTENDENT
Sam Frenda
BOARD OF EDUCATION
FACULTY TRUSTEES
Kimberly Black
TREASURER
Jennifer Adams
MARKETING and PR
Trish Cuddy
GOVERNANCE and HR
Darcey Brooten
BEDWELL
Luke LaChac
BMS
Dan Kaplan
BHS
Gretchen Dempsey
SHSD SUPERINTENDENT
Jen Shouffler
SHSD ASST. SUPERINTENDENT
FOR CURRICULUM
Bob Baker
BOARD OF EDUCATION
Past Major Initiatives
$3,000 to Bedwell | Peters Valley School of Craft
Multi-day program for demonstration and exploration of various crafts
$3,000 Bernardsville Middle School | Artist In Residence
Employ an artist to work with students and speak to them about careers in the arts
$3,000 Bernardsville High School | Composer In Residence
Employ a composer to work with students to create an original composition and discuss the composition process, music theory and careers in music
$10,000 District | Music Department
Help fund a new Steinway piano to replace the one in the Performing Arts Center