Recent developments have intensified scrutiny of the Jericho Educational Foundation (JEF), as the organization appears to be actively removing public information following community questions about its operations and status.
Sudden Website Changes Raise New Questions
In a concerning development, the Foundation has apparently scrubbed its website of previously public information about its Advisory Board members immediately following public inquiries on Change.org. This sudden removal of leadership information raises additional questions about transparency and accountability.
JEF Website 2/10/25
JEF Website 2/9/25
Mission vs. Reality
According to its website, JEF describes itself as “an independent non-profit organization established in 2005” with the mission “to enhance and enrich the educational experience of our students within the Jericho School District.” The Foundation states it achieves its goals by:
- Developing new ideas and furnishing resources
- Raising funds through donations
- Sponsoring educationally-oriented events
However, this self-description contrasts sharply with several concerning facts:
Financial Reporting Gaps and Status Questions
Public financial records show an organization with irregular activity:
- Last filed Form 990 was in 2017 (Revenue: $6,450)
- Notable revenue fluctuations in previous years:
- 2016: $6,144
- 2015: $735
- 2014: $5,163
- 2013: $86,473 (unusual spike)
- 2012: $5,588
- 2011: $8,933
No public financial records exist for 2018-2025, despite continued operations.
Current Activities vs. Public Status
Despite being listed as “Permanently closed” on various platforms, the Foundation remains active:
- January 2025: Proposed renaming Cantiague Elementary School “My name is Aileen Gingold and I am the president of the Joint PTA Council. I stand here with Lynn Wiseman, director of the Jericho Educational Foundation to present a request…”
- November 2024: Presented at JRRS Joint Elementary PTA Meeting
- Maintains a physical address at Jericho High School (99 Cedar Swamp Road)
Emerging Concerns
The situation raises serious questions about:
1. Transparency:
- Why was Advisory Board information suddenly removed?
- What prompted this timing following public inquiries?
- Why hasn’t financial information been publicly filed since 2017?
2. Governance:
- Who currently oversees the Foundation’s operations?
- How are decisions being made about major initiatives like school renaming?
- What is the actual relationship with the school district?
3. Compliance:
- What is the Foundation’s current legal status?
- Is it meeting non-profit reporting requirements?
- How are funds being managed and overseen?
Fundamental Questions About Mission and Influence
The Foundation’s recent actions raise fundamental questions about its role and mission alignment. For a non-profit organization that describes itself as focused on “enhancing and enriching the educational experience,” its decision to spearhead an initiative to rename a public school in honor of a sitting superintendent represents a significant departure from its stated purpose.
This level of involvement in district governance decisions, particularly one that would permanently honor a current administrator, raises serious concerns about:
- The boundaries between the Foundation and district administration
- The appropriate role of a private non-profit in public school governance
- Potential conflicts of interest in decision-making processes
- The true nature of the Foundation’s mission and activities
Looking Forward
The Foundation’s recent actions – from proposing to rename a school after a sitting superintendent to suddenly removing leadership information following public questions – suggest a concerning pattern that extends beyond mere transparency issues. As an organization proposing significant changes to public institutions while operating with minimal public accountability, the Foundation’s operations warrant immediate and careful scrutiny from stakeholders and relevant oversight bodies.
The community deserves clear answers about:
- How a non-profit with no recent public financial records can wield such influence over district decisions
- Why an “independent” foundation is proposing honors for current district leadership
- Whether such activities align with its charitable mission and non-profit status
- The actual relationship between the Foundation and district administration
- The Foundation’s compliance with non-profit regulations and reporting requirements
Given these developments, there appears to be an urgent need for the Foundation to address these questions and restore transparency about its operations, leadership, and compliance status. More fundamentally, the community must question whether it is appropriate for a private foundation, operating with minimal public oversight, to play such a significant role in decisions that should properly belong to the public school district’s governing bodies.
