About the BHS Innovation Fund
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 two part-time co-Program Liaisons, Astrid Allen and Britt Stevens, BHS faculty members who connect 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 co-Program Liaisons also support 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
Maureen Fallon, Chair • Masu Haque-Khan, Vice Chair & Nominating & Engagement Chair • David Weisner, Treasurer & Clerk
Board of Directors
Oliver Bardon • Sara Berkson • Helen Cheng, Assistant Treasurer • Steven Davis • Seth Finkelstein • Deborah Fung, Special Projects, Chair • Rob Lawrence • Andrew Liteplo • Steven Luby • Nitish Nahata • Shibani Sain Rao, Fundraising, Co-Chair • Polly Ross Ribatt, Fundraising, Co-Chair • Jodi Sokoloff • Lesley Solomon, Program Co-Chair • Benjamin Stern • Dawn Tringas • Molly Yancovitz
Ex-Officio Members
Dr. Linus Guillory, Superintendent of Schools • Mary Beth Landrum, Chair, Board of Advisors • Anthony Meyer, BHS Head of School • Nancy Rhei-Gorer, School Committee Liaison • Dr. Grace Wai, Interim PSB Deputy Superintendent
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.
Chair
Mary Beth Landrum
Board of Advisors
Jennifer Amigone • Maria Arado-McDonald • M’Lissa Brennan • Adi Eldar-Lissai • Hilary Elkins • Katerina Fialkovskaya • Elizabeth Gardner • Nir Gertner • Jennie Greene (Communications Committee, Co-Chair) • Natasha Goldman • Jennifer Hunt • Mary Lochner Hurwitz • Mirna Kassir • Gene Keselman • James Kessler • Adi Kitov • Hope Krakoff • Barbara Larson • Anne Le Brun • Heather Maloney • Barbara Moran • William Nancarrow (Program Committee, Co-Chair) • Robert Neer • Dipu Patel • Nick Peterson • Louise Shah (Fundraising Committee, Co-Chair) • Tracy Shupp (Communications Committee, Co-Chair) • Eli Silk • Olga St. Clair • Shannon Tolis