About the BHS Innovation Fund
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The BHS Innovation Fund provides grants for BHS faculty and administrators to develop new courses and programs that are innovative, interdisciplinary, and forward-thinking. Funded initiatives are designed to improve academic achievement for all students at BHS. They enrich the learning culture, prepare students to thrive in an increasingly global and complex world, and energize faculty by encouraging new curriculum development and experimentation.
Organizational Structure and Funding
The BHS Innovation Fund is a parent-led, non-profit 501(c)(3) organization within Brookline High School. Our work is solely supported by private contributions from parents, alumni, local businesses, and members of the community. While public tax dollars finance the major operational and capital needs at Brookline High School, they do not cover supplemental faculty time to explore and create new courses and programs with a particular focus on innovative approaches to education. Learn more about how to donate here.
Staff
The BHS Innovation Fund employs a part-time Director, Stacey Zelbow, who works with our Boards, focusing on finance and governance; and a part-time Program Liaison, Erica O’Mahony, a BHS faculty member who connects the organization and the entire BHS faculty body. Working in collaboration with BHS Curriculum Coordinators and individual teachers to design, develop, and cultivate proposals for Innovation Fund program and planning grants, the Program Liaison also supports the success of currently funded programs. Contact our staff here.
Board of Directors
The BHS Innovation Fund is governed by an all-volunteer Board of Directors. The board is responsible for the strategic direction of the Innovation Fund, including: the effective oversight of the Innovation Fund’s program development and evaluation; budgeting and fundraising; and the overall operation and good health of the organization. Board members include BHS parents/caregivers, alumni and parents of alumni, and members of the Brookline community. Individuals elected to the board serve three-year terms. The board meets six times a year. Most directors also serve on at least one committee. Learn more about joining our Board of Directors here.
Officers
Ben & Rob 24/25 Co-Chairs (left/right) Mona, 24/25 Vice Chair (center)
Rob Lawrence & Ben Stern, Co-Chairs • Mona Mowafi, Vice Chair • David Weisner, Treasurer & Clerk
Board of Directors
Oliver Bardon • Sara Berkson • Helen Cheng, Assistant Treasurer • Seth Finkelstein • Deborah Fung, Nominating & Engagement, Chair • Peter Johannsen • Anne Le Brun • Andrew Liteplo • Jodi Maciag • Dwight Mathis • Meghan McGrath • Polly Ross Ribatt • Eric Sillman • Lesley Solomon • Dawn Tringas • Molly Yancovitz
Ex-Officio Members
Dr. Linus Guillory, Superintendent of Schools • Anthony Meyer, BHS Head of School • Sarah Moghtader, Liaison, School Committee • Jodi Fortuna, Deputy Superintendent of Schools
Emeritus Members
Wendy Gordon, ‘67 • Arthur Segel, ’69 • Elizabeth Zachos
Founder
Robert Weintraub, Headmaster, 1998-2011
Board of Advisors
The BHS Innovation Fund Board of Advisors plans and coordinates Fund communications, outreach and recruitment activities, as well as fundraising and community events. Advisors also serve as the Fund’s ambassadors to the BHS community, and help our supporters connect with our mission. Learn more about joining our Board of Advisors here.
Board of Advisors
Jennifer Amigone • Maria Arado-McDonald • Annemieke Atema • Kim Castro • Susan Dubin • Cher Duffield • Elizabeth Gardner • Jennie Greene (Communications/Fundraising Committee, Co-Chair) • Natasha Goldman Homann • Mary Lochner Hurwitz • Gene Keselman • James Kessler • Adi Kitov • Nancy Lee • Robert Neer • Charu Puri-Sharma • Rahim Rajpar • Tracy Shupp (Communications/Fundraising Committee, Co-Chair) • Eli Silk (Program Committee, Chair) • Jennifer Wells • Audrey Winter-Driben • Melissa Hale Woodman (Communications/Fundraising Committee, Co-Chair)