Now they can donate to SEI, and trust SEI to issue grants with the advantage of a broader perspective. We've seen enough piecemeal reform efforts that come and go. The toughest challenge in education is to achieve lasting change. If SEI lives up to its mission, it will direct money to projects likely to improve the way schools operate. It speaks well for the community that business leaders are concerned enough about school to take on this task.
Private contributions represent a small percentage of spending on education.
But schools often rely on private money for the special projects that can help go from mediocrity to excellence. SEI has been patterned after a similar organization in Stark County. There aren't many others across the country. A consensus-maker Greene has never taught primary or secondary school, but has spent much of her career managing nonprofit organizations. She currently heads up an agency that provides support services for nonprofit groups in Central Michigan.