Medford Seeks Volunteers To Launch High School Fundraising Nonprofit

MEDFORD, MA —The City of Medford and Medford Public Schools are seeking volunteers to help establish a nonprofit organization that will support fundraising efforts for the new Medford High School building project.

The new organization's main goal will be to raise private donations for portions of the project that are not eligible for reimbursement through the Massachusetts School Building Authority. Officials are looking for volunteers to help launch the nonprofit and guide its fundraising efforts.

"The Medford High School Building Project is the most ambitious project our city has ever attempted, and every day we wait, costs continue to rise," Medford Comprehensive High School Building Committee Chair Jenny Graham said in a statement. "The formation of this nonprofit organization will be tremendously beneficial to increase engagement in the project, find solutions to complex problems, and ultimately drive down the financial impact to our residents."

The fundraising effort comes as planning for the new high school continues to move through the state's approval process. Earlier this summer, the Medford Comprehensive High School Building Committee selected Design C2.2A as the preferred design option for the project's Preferred Schematic Report. The report was submitted to the MSBA on June 25 and is awaiting approval.

The nonprofit will focus on raising money for project elements that fall outside the scope of MSBA reimbursement. The city said founding volunteers will help establish the organization's governance, fundraising strategy and community outreach. Officials said experience in fundraising campaigns, major gifts, donor relations, philanthropy or strategic communications is preferred.

"We have the opportunity to deliver a truly transformative High School facility for our students and families that not only supports key educational priorities but significantly enhances opportunities for student success," Mayor Breanna Lungo-Koehn said in a statement. "While we want to go beyond simple needs, we also must be mindful of associated costs. That's why this fundraising committee is so important to the overall success of this project."

City Councilor Liz Mullane said the nonprofit represents another avenue to help offset costs associated with the project.

"This will need to be a collaborative effort in order for us to provide additional funding for projects and services that serve all members of our community," Mullane said. "We want to make sure we've tried every avenue to bring additional resources to our city in order to lower costs for our residents."

Superintendent Suzanne B. Galusi said the nonprofit will give residents, businesses and alumni another opportunity to contribute to the construction of the new high school.

"We are grateful to be in a community that prioritizes education and our students," Galusi said in a statement. "Creating a dedicated nonprofit will expand the opportunity for community members, businesses and alumni to create a new Medford High School proudly reflecting the innovation of our students, teachers and staff."

Applications to help establish the nonprofit are due by Monday, Aug. 17. Interested parties can complete the city's online application form.

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