Culver City Observer -

Ed Foundation Director to Retire

The Board of Directors of the Culver City Education Foundation, the lead private organization that has raised money to better Culver City Schools, made the following announcement last week,

"It is with deep appreciation and lasting gratitude for her years of devotion to the mission of the Culver City Education Foundation that CCEF announces the resignation of our Executive Director, Leslie Adler.

"Leslie has been a passionate supporter of our students and schools. In her eight years as Executive Director she led CCEF though a transformative period of growth. Among the many highlights have been:

• ¬Collaborating with site PTAs and booster clubs to bring GrowingGreat Gardens to all of our elementary schools to teach science and nutrition;

• ¬Partnering with elementary schools to expand the popular music education program taught by the Symphonic Jazz Orchestra;

• ¬Equipping countless classrooms and computer labs with 21st century technology including white boards, document cameras, laptops, Chromebooks, and tablets for students;

• Working closely with Sony Studios to create the ground breaking Front and Center Theater Collaborative that bring curriculum reinforcing theatre experiences to CCUSD K thru 12 students;

• ¬Building our middle and high school music programs with Musical Instrument grants from the Fineshriber Family Foundation that are putting musical instruments into the hands of every student who wants to learn to make music, regardless of economic circumstance;

• Elevating CCEF's fabulous Tribute to the Stars gala fundraiser into an unforgettable annual community celebration of our schools.

"CCEF will build on this legacy in the years to come, continuing the district-wide programs that have become such an integral part of a Culver City education, and helping support new ones, like the MakerSpace labs that will be piloted at two elementary schools this fall."

Culver City Observer Publisher Stephen Hadland noted, "Under Leslies leadership the CCEF has grown and been able to help Culver City Schools beyond the funding that is available from Sacramento. She will be hard to replace and the community owes her a debt of gratitude for her tireless work and energy."

Leslie plans to remain at CCEF until mid-August in order to give the board an opportunity to find a new Executive Director and to ensure a smooth transition.