History
In 1986, under the guidance of the school board chairman, R. Franklin Hawkins, and the superintendent, Dr. Rondle E. Edwards, a group of concerned community leaders and business people joined together to form the Portsmouth Schools Foundation. Their mission was to actively promote excellence in Portsmouth public schools and to create opportunities and resources for others to do the same. In 1990 it incorporated in the state of Virginia as a 501(c)(3) entity.
To date, the Portsmouth Schools Foundation continues to serve as the consistent link between the community and the schools to join with others to strengthen the education system. It is a facilitator for vital interaction between schools and the community.
The Portsmouth Schools Foundation believes that Portsmouth Public School Students and the entire community benefits from a stronger public education system. Strategic positioning of the Foundation allows it to join efforts on behalf of the students and to address local education challenges in a collaborative effort. The Portsmouth Schools Foundation is committed to programs impacting upon the quality of life in the surrounding communities and support with great interest of innovative projects in Portsmouth Public Schools classrooms.
The Portsmouth Schools Foundation is strongly supported by impressive volunteer leadership and participation by its 19 member Board of Directors.