Dedicated to Funding Madison’s Public Schools
Madison Magazine: Please describe your involvement with the Foundation for Madison’s Public Schools.
Stephanie Hayden: I have had the honor of serving as the Foundation for Madison’s Public Schools (FMPS) Executive Director for the last 3 ½ years.
MM: What has been the most beneficial element of this organization for you?
SH: Ensuring every child has a quality education is a pressing priority for our community. Madison’s future depends on what happens in classrooms today. The Foundation provides resources, tools, and innovation to improve outcomes for the more than 27,000 Madison public school students to create the next generation of community leaders.
MM: How has the Foundation for Madison’s Public Schools and its events enhanced the Madison community?
SH: The Foundation funds innovative programs, builds sustaining partnerships that mobilize community resources, and invests in Madison’s schools to expand opportunities for all students. Last year the Foundation directly invested more than $530,000 in schools. In addition, our Adopt-a-School partners contributed more than $350,000 in in-kind, financial, and volunteer support.
MM: Please tell us about the upcoming Circle of Friends Luncheon.
SH: The Circle of Friends luncheon is our largest fundraiser, and helps us invest over $500,000 in Madison’s students, educators and schools each year. This year is the 10 th annual event, and it has grown to over 750 attendees! Circle of Friends showcases innovative and creative programs that enrich classroom learning and generates a shared enthusiasm for what we can do as a community to support Madison’s students.
MM: How can the community get involved with both Circle of Friends Luncheon and the Foundation for Madison’s Public Schools?
SH: Individuals can attend our Circle of Friends Luncheon on May 12 th to learn more about the Foundation’s work, or serve as a Table Captain by hosting a table of their friends at the event. Businesses and organizations can support the Foundation by sponsoring Circle of Friends or Adopt-a-School. In the fall we also host A Principal Experience which provides an opportunity for business and community leaders to shadow a Madison principal for a day. This is a great even to learn more about schools and how we all can help improve learning for students. I encourage everyone to visit our website to learn more about our programs and how they can support public education in Madison.
MM: What do you want others to know about the Foundation for Madison’s Public Schools?
SH: I want to share an awareness of the work that the Foundation does. Most of what we do happens behind the scenes with little or no recognition, but it is important work that is making a difference in the lives of students. The Foundation invests in the future by securing resources to support quality education through innovative programs, creative opportunities, and imaginative approaches. These programs enrich the curriculum while inspiring students and staff.
Circle of Friends Luncheon will be held on May 12 at the Alliant Energy Center. For more information visit fmps.org.
