​​​​​​​​​​​Board Positions Available

If you are interested in being considered for a board position beginning January 2027, please fill out the form above before Friday, October 23, 2026.

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Trustee Recruitment Timeline:

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​​Please contact Alice Finley, UA+Ed Executive Director with any questions about the trustee selection process, board expectations at Alice@UAEducationFoundation.com.

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Our Mission

To provide access to meaningful opportunities for each and every student.

 

Our Vision - An inspired and thriving community of learners.

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Our Values

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• Honoring Community: Our expectation of quality and love of neighbors is recognized in all that we do.

 

• Fostering Connections: We nurture relationships and cultivate partnerships for yesterday, today, and tomorrow.

 

• Supporting Innovation and Leaders: We fuel ideas and creativity in the classroom and beyond.

 

• Embracing an inclusive culture and climate: We value each and every student and staff member.

 

• Giving Generously: Our hearts are big and our passion is education.

 

• Being Responsive: We listen and learn to align our giving.

 

Who We Are

The Upper Arlington Education Foundation is  a 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to assisting the Upper Arlington school district in its mission to challenge and support every student, every step of the way. UA+Ed is proud to make a meaningful impact on each and every one of the 6,500+ students in the district. Learn more​

 

What We Do

UA+Ed connects the Upper Arlington School District with generous community members, alumni, families, and organizations. In 2025, UA+Ed provided over 100 grants, scholarships, and awards. These grants, requested by students, educators, and administrators, support innovative learning opportunities and ensure all students can participate in school programs. Community connections and financial support for strategic district initiatives are also supported by UA+Ed.

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UA+Ed is home to the Upper Arlington Alumni Association (UAAA). Each year, graduating seniors join generations of Golden Bears alumni united by lifetime friendships and pride in our excellent schools. UAAA helps graduates stay connected and engaged and develops a spirit of giving back to support current and future generations of Golden Bears.
 

About Being a Trustee

Trustees may serve one term of 4 years.

 

Meetings and Time Commitments 

Full Board Meetings are held from 8:30 to 9:45 AM, the fourth Thursday of the month (unless affected by holidays such as Thanksgiving and Winter and Spring breaks, in which case, the meetings may be held a week in advance) and will be posted well in advance. 

• Agendas and any pertinent information will be sent by Friday before the meeting. 

• Trustees are expected to read this information and come to meetings prepared to participate.

 

In addition to board meetings, an annual Strategic Retreat will be held in early February on a Saturday from approximately 8:30 AM to 4 PM.

 

While it is the hope that UA+Ed trustees will take their commitment to heart and recognize the importance of meeting in person to execute the business of the Foundation, situations do arise that present conflicts. If a trustee is unable to attend a meeting in person, they should participate in meetings via Zoom or other forms of telecommunications. 

 

If a trustee cannot attend a meeting, they should review the agenda with a staff member or the Board Chair prior to or after such a meeting. 

Standing Committees 

• Trustees are expected to serve on at least one (1) Standing Committee. Committees typically meet monthly or quarterly, but this may change based on needs. 

• Trustees are expected to participate in committee meetings as well as actively serve the needs of the committee. 

• The board chair will ask individual trustees to serve on committees as he/she feels will best serve the board. 

UA+Ed and District Events 

• Trustees are expected to actively commit their time and talents in the planning and implementation of UA+Ed Signature Events such as Show & Tell, Alumni & Community 4th of July Open House

• Trustees will be asked to participate in various UA+Ed and District events aimed at increasing visibility and awareness of UA+Ed. These may include: certain Board of Education Meetings, stakeholder events (1985 Society, parent coffees, etc.)

 

Fiduciary and Financial Expectations 

Trustees are expected to 

• Be familiar with UA+Ed’s finances, budget, and financial/resource needs. 

• Participate in the adoption and oversight of the annual budget. 

• Exhibit the highest standard of ethical behavior as stewards of UA+Ed funds. 

 

Personal Giving

• Trustees are expected to financially support UA+Ed through one or more of UA+Ed’s Circles of Impact (Today Circle - annual gift, Everyday Circle - recurring gift, Forever Circle - gift to an endowment fund, Tomorrow - planned gift)

• Trustees are encouraged to support the General Unrestricted Fund with at least part of their annual gift. 

• Total annual giving is suggested to be $300 or more. 

 

Development & Engagement

• Trustees should attend one or more Grants in Action each school year - visiting a school to see projects funded by UA+Ed

• Trustees are expected to help identify and invite potential new donors

 

Additional Expectations 

• Read and become familiar with the By Laws, Standing Policies, and current Strategic Plan. 

• Provide oversight in organizational management. 

• Be a positive ambassador of the foundation and school district. 

• Maintain confidentiality of matters discussed in meetings and speak on board matters only when authorized to do so. 

• Ask questions and share opinions openly and respectfully before and in meetings while working in the best interest of UA+Ed. 

• Assume leadership roles in board activities consistent with individual skills and interests. 

 

Rights of Trustees 

Trustees will have access to 

• Financial records and budgets. 

• All Meeting Minutes including full-board and committee meetings. 

• Governance material including By Laws, Standing Policies, and Strategic Plan. 

• Open and available communication with the Executive Director and UA+Ed Chair. 

Trustees will receive 

• Written notice of meetings including time and place will be sent at least two (2) days before each meeting (per By Laws). 

• Agenda and pertinent background materials of agenda items in advance of the meeting. 

Voting Rights 

• Full trustees have a right to one equal vote on each action item. 

• Voting may take place at a meeting or electronically (per By Laws). 

 

Our Commitment to Supporting Each and Every Student

The Upper Arlington Education Foundation and Alumni Association are aligned with and support the goals and plans of the Upper Arlington City School District. We provide meaningful opportunities for each and every student, and are proud to provide resources for programs and projects focused on engaged learning and wellbeing. 

 

We value the unique experiences and backgrounds of our community of donors, fund advisors, staff, board members, alumni, volunteers, and school district employees as we work together to further our mission. 

 

The Upper Arlington Education Foundation takes seriously the importance of students feeling a sense of belonging, safety, and inspiration to reach their full potential.

 

The Upper Arlington Education Foundation and Alumni Association will continue to:

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• Assess our own processes and policies, including grantmaking, to ensure equity for each and every student;
   

• Intentionally recruit and develop a board of trustees that reflects our values and beliefs. Members of the board will draw on their diverse backgrounds, skills, talents and perspectives to strengthen our ability to serve our mission;
   

• Provide continued board and staff development opportunities that will allow us to continue to support the strategic vision of the School District;
   

• Promote the tradition, pride and reputation of excellence of our school district while recognizing the historic lack of racial diversity among our alumni.
   

• Ensure the Upper Arlington Alumni Association reflects inclusive practices where every alumni is encouraged to stay connected and engaged and affiliate groups are used to unite Golden Bears with shared interests and experiences.
   

• Partner with our community to ensure needed resources are available to those who are working passionately on behalf of each and every student in Upper Arlington.

 

In addition, in order to maintain a strong, diverse board of trustees, priorities may include specific areas of expertise, connections to each school in the district and at least one UAHS alum.

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