Delores Barr Weaver issues matching challenge for school renaming
Mrs. Weaver has pledged $50,000 to the effort if the community can raise $100,000 in a 2-1 match.
5/17/2021
CONTACT
Stephanie Garry Garfunkel
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: DELORES BARR WEAVER ISSUES MATCHING CHALLENGE FOR RENAMING PUBLIC SCHOOLS
JACKSONVILLE, Fla., May 17, 2021 — Jacksonville philanthropist Delores Barr Weaver has issued a matching challenge to help rename public schools as the Duval County School Board approaches their final vote on the issue on June 1.
Mrs. Weaver, a long-time supporter of the Jacksonville Public Education Fund and many other charitable causes in Jacksonville, has pledged to contribute $50,000 through a 2-1 match, challenging the community to step forward with $100,000 to unlock her gift. This gift will be made through the Delores Barr Weaver Legacy Fund at The Community Foundation for Northeast Florida.
“I’m extremely grateful to Delores Barr Weaver for her generosity and leadership on this issue,” said JPEF President Rachael Tutwiler Fortune. “She is a faithful champion for children.”
“The JPEF Board of Directors, like the Chamber of Commerce, the Duval County Council of PTAs, the Florida Times-Union Editorial Board, and many others, believe that now is the time for our community to change the names of public schools to ensure they reflect the values of public education. Philanthropists and concerned community members are a critical part of making this change, and I invite anyone who is able to follow Mrs. Weaver’s lead.”
The Jacksonville Public Education Fund created the School Renaming Fund in July 2020, following the School Board’s unanimous vote to begin the renaming process for six Confederate-named schools. So far, more than 150 individuals have given to the School Renaming Fund, with a total of about $24,000 raised. Supporters who wish to make a pledge as part of the match can do so through this form, which can be sent to Carly Norgord, JPEF Senior Manager of Finance & Administration, at carly@jaxpef.org. Supporters can also give online at jaxpef.org/renaming and set up their own personal fundraiser to ask for donations with family and friends.
JPEF serves as a fiscal agent for Duval County Public Schools on the Fund, allowing community members to make tax-deductible donations to help offset the costs of renaming the schools, which can include new signage, new paint, refinishing athletic fields and courts, and providing new uniforms to sports teams and bands. JPEF played a similar role when Nathan Bedford Forrest High was renamed Westside High in 2014.
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About the Jacksonville Public Education Fund
The Jacksonville Public Education Fund is an independent think-and-do tank that believes in the potential of all students. We work tirelessly to close the opportunity gap for low-income students and students of color. We convene educators, school system leaders and the community to pilot and help scale evidence-based solutions that advance school quality in Duval County. For more information: www.jaxpef.org.