About Us
What we do
The Medford Educational Foundation empowers Medford students by funding teacher-led projects that enrich learning experiences.
- We offer two grant cycles annually: Fall and Spring.
- Teachers can apply for two funding levels:
- Micro Grants: Up to $200
- Large Grants: Up to $2,000
- All proposals undergo a rigorous review process.
- Funding is competitive.
- Application dates are announced by school email each Fall and Spring.
- Questions about dates/applications? Please email Paulette at pvanderkloot@gmail.com and David Sayres at david@sayres.com
Medford Educational Foundation Officers
President
Bio: Paulette Van der Kloot’s three children attended the Medford Public Schools. Paulette served on the Medford School Committee for 32 years. She is a co-founder of the MEF. Through the MEF, Paulette continues to demonstrate her dedication to the students and teachers of the Medford Public Schools.
Bio: Paulette Van der Kloot’s three children attended the Medford Public Schools. Paulette served on the Medford School Committee for 32 years. She is a co-founder of the MEF. Through the MEF, Paulette continues to demonstrate her dedication to the students and teachers of the Medford Public Schools.
Vice President and Support
Bio: Gail Airasian is Vice President, Sales & Services at Flatire. She holds a BA from Wellesley College and an MBA from Boston College. Gail has two children in the Medford public school system and has served as the Brooks School PTO Secretary for many years.
Treasurer
Bio: Steve is a CPA and works for a small investment firm in Boston. His daughter is a freshman in high school. As well as helping with the MEF finances, he is the treasurer of a local dance organization and of his daughter’s girl scout troop. In his spare time, he is a keen hiker and cyclist and likes to visit the White Mountains of New Hampshire.
Outreach
Bio: Christopher D’Aveta, is a parent, homeowner and active citizen in Medford. He is a city planner by profession with a passionate interest in community building and is involved in numerous non-profit organizations, with a particular focus on furthering educational goals. Both of Chris’ children have taken advantage of Medford’s fine public school system and are pursuing post-secondary education.
MPS Liaison
Bio: Diane Caldwell, retired Associate Superintendent Emeritus for Medford Public Schools has been an educator and administrator for Medford Public Schools for 45 years. She has a passion for educating students and enhancing educators professional development. Since her retirement in 2020, Diane spends her time volunteering for Mystic Food Market in Medford, Mothers Helping Mothers in Malden and in the Endoscopy/Colonoscopy Unit of Melrose Wakefield Hospital.
Grants Manager
Past President
Brian Buck
Co-Founders
Paulette Van der Kloot and Ann Frenning Kossuth