Sparta Education Foundation
The Sparta Education Foundation is pleased to introduce our new executive director, Kerry Mullin. Kerry joined our team in March, and she is eager to become a part of the SEF model of funding grants - The Extras for Education - for Sparta teachers and students!
Kerry comes to us with years of experience in the non-profit sector, primarily focusing on education and community relations. She has been an executive director, and worked as an education and public relations coordinator with humane societies primarily on the west coast. She has a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism from the University of Oregon, and a Bachelor of Science in Biology from Purdue. She has built a successful track record in communications, fundraising, and management, and she has been involved in education programming with each position she has held.
Kerry and her family moved to a small hobby farm in Sparta in 2022, and they have enjoyed discovering Sparta’s local businesses and the many special events the village has to offer.
Kerry says, “In recent years, I have worked as a sub across a wide range of school districts. Seeing the disparities in resources available to students and educators has been both eye-opening and deeply motivating. The opportunity to apply my professional skill set to support education - particularly within the community where I now live - is both meaningful and exciting to me.”
The SEF is excited to be expanding as we celebrate our 35th year serving the students and teachers of Sparta. Welcome, Kerry!
SEF Board Meetings are held on the 3rd Wednesday of each month at 7:45am in the Sparta Area Schools Administration Board Room, 465 S Union Street, Sparta, MI 49345
| 08/20/2025 | SEF Board Meeting |
| 09/17/2025 | SEF Board Meeting/Grant Approvals (app deadline is 09/05/25) |
| 10/15/2025 | SEF Board Meeting |
| 11/19/2025 | SEF Board Meeting |
| 01/21/2026 | SEF Board Meeting/Grant Approvals (app deadline is 01/09/26) |
| 02/18/2026 | SEF Board Meeting |
| 03/18/2026 | SEF Board Meeting |
| 04/15/2026 | SEF Board Meeting/Grant Approvals (app deadline is 03/27/2026) |
| 05/20/2026 | SEF Board Meeting |
| 06/17/2026 | SEF Board Meeting |
| 07/15/2026 | SEF Board Meeting |
History of SEF
The Sparta Education Foundation (SEF) was founded in 1991 based on the belief that Sparta Students should not be limited to minimum standards due to a lack of state funding for education. Since that time, many student have benefited from SEF-funded grants that provide the "extras for education", but still the need continues.
The SEF's mission is to help provide creative, progressive and innovative educational opportunities for our students and staff which are beyond the normal operating budget of the school district.
Please consider making a contribution and give our students important enrichment opportunities that would be available otherwise. Go to the CONTRIBUTIONS page for details.
The SEF is governed by a volunteer Board of Directors and operated independently from the Sparta Board of Education under an established set of bylaws.
If you have any questions regarding SEF, please reach out to us! sef@spartaschools.org
SEF Board of Directors
SEF BOARD OF DIRECTORS 2025-2026:
- LeAnn Kitson, President
- Jim Kerby, Vice President
- Sue Blackall, Secretary
- Patti VanderWall, Treasurer
- Joel Stoner, Ex Officio
- Kerry Mullin, Executive Director
Board Members: Michelle Alster, Julie Anderson, Kristi Armock, Jennifer Baldini, Erin Bormes, Roxanne Claxton, Chris Hoover, Sue Lampen, Bob Schirado, Stacy Helsel, Sarah Richmond
The SEF board of directors is composed of 15 volunteers from the Sparta community who are dedicated to supporting the mission of the Sparta Education Foundation to provide creative, progressive, and innovative educational opportunities for Sparta Area Schools students K through 12th grade which are beyond the normal operating budget of the school district. Board of directors serve a three year term. Elections take place in June and terms begin in July. All board members must abide by the code of ethics written in the handbook. The board meets the 3rd Wednesday of every month at 7:45 am in the Sparta Area Schools Administrative Board Room, 465 S Union St, Sparta, MI 49345.
Duties and expectations include:
- Attend monthly general board meetings
- Adhere to the policies written in the SEF handbook and bylaws
- Participate in, support and promote SEF programs including fundraising
- Participate and support the activities of at least one committee of your choosing, including attending scheduled meetings
- Promote and advocate for the mission of the Sparta Education Foundation
- Protect the privacy and confidentiality of SEF, its donors, and donations
- Maintain positive, professional, and supportive communication with school staff and other SEF board members
To express interest in becoming a member of the Sparta Education Foundation board of directors, please email us at sef@spartaschools.org and write "SEF Board" on the subject line. A member of the board will get back to you concerning your next steps.
Volunteer Opportunities
Volunteer Opportunities
SEF is currently seeking volunteers who are passionate about Sparta, education and children!
If interested in volunteering, please email sef@spartaschools.org
