In August of 2017, Dr. Kevin Smith, Pierce County School Superintendent, with the help of the Chamber of Commerce and others, called together a group of Pierce citizens to explore the possibility of forming a foundation that would support a diverse group of activities in the area of education. Dr. Smith said he has felt a strong sense of support for educational endeavors from the community and that the time seemed right to consider forming a foundation that would serve as a conduit for that support. This would be a tax free federally qualified 501C-3 corporation that could accept contributions and for which the donor would receive a tax deduction.

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         There were 6 meetings with 36 people within the community regarding the feasibility, its ramifications and objectives. The individuals included members of our local businesses, education system, local government, and private citizens. By early spring 2018 this formation group voted to: establish the Pierce County Foundation of Excellence in Education, Inc., selected a nine-member board, and appointed four officers. The foundation board held its founding meeting April 23, 2018 and began its work of setting up all required legal documents and completing its organizational framework as detailed in the agenda below.