The Panther Experience
The Panther Experience podcast from Springboro Schools in Springboro, Ohio, shares meaningful conversations led by Superintendent Carrie Hester and Treasurer/CFO Terrah Stacy about topics impacting the school community.
The Panther Experience
Boro Education Foundation
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The Boro Education Foundation was created by longtime Springboro business leader and school board member Charles Anderson and his daughter Rebekah Giuffre to support our school district. Charles and Rebekah join the podcast to talk about why they felt the Foundation was the perfect way for them to give back, how community members can get involved, and what's coming up next!
Buy tickets to the Boro Education Foundation Night at the Dayton Dragons on June 9, 2026: https://www.gofevo.com/event/boroeducationfoundation26
Learn more about or donate to the Boro Education Foundation: https://boroedufoundation.org/
This is the Panther Experience Podcast from Springboro Schools, where we share meaningful conversations about the things impacting our community. So whether you're a lifelong Panther or brand new to Springboro Schools, we're glad you're here. Welcome back to the Panther Experience Podcast. I'm Erin Meyer, District Communications Coordinator here for Springboro Schools. We've got some special guests with us today. So you are used to our lovely treasurer and superintendent Tara Stacey and Carrie Hester. And today we are joined by Charles Anderson and his daughter Rebecca Juffrey, who are going to be talking about a new endeavor here in Springboro to support our schools and their familiar faces around the district. We can't wait to hear about the Springboro School's Education Foundation and all the good things you guys are doing. Thank you for being here.
SPEAKER_00We're happy to share.
SPEAKER_04Awesome. Welcome to being our first guest on the mail. We have no special um t-shirts to send home with you or anything for that, but you uh you get the movie in the mail. Yes, in the mail. Exactly, exactly. Well, let's before um we get into everything about the foundation, just to give folks a little bit of background, Charles Anderson, longtime school board member and school board president here in Springboro Schools, business owner Anderson Funeral Home, and his daughter Rebecca, funeral director at Anderson Funeral Home. And they're both uh founding members of the Borough Education Foundation. So we are excited to hear about that. And one way we usually start off the podcast is telling something good that we've noticed in the district lately, and something that we wanted to shout out and let people know about if they haven't seen it on social media or somewhere else. So we wanted to offer that up to you guys too. We'll start so you can be thinking a little bit if you'd like. We know you're a parent, right? You've got it all a junior?
SPEAKER_01Uh yes, a junior is going to be senior.
SPEAKER_04My last one? Wow. Okay. So how about you guys? It's been a bit since the last podcast. Anything you've been out and about seeing in our schools and our in our uh buildings, maybe even in behind-the-scenes meetings that you could share.
SPEAKER_03Well, um, we have come off of testing weeks. Testing week. We've testing with the big testing month. So that's behind us, and now we're preparing for all of the amazing things that um happen in May to culminate this amazing school year.
SPEAKER_02Yeah, we have um like teacher and staff appreciation week, we have lots of end of the year like festivities for kids happening for a graduation coming up, May 16th, UD Arena, 11 a.m.
SPEAKER_04Um, I wanted to just make sure we shout out our PTOs, and because this, the week of Teacher Appreciation Week in particular, which is when we're recording this, they go all out. The teams at the schools, I mean, they make those teachers and staff feel really special.
SPEAKER_03Yes, yeah, we had like a 90s theme. I was at that meeting when they were planning it and just everything. Um it's all like the bracelets that they wear, you know, from the 90s.
SPEAKER_04Oh, my bracelets? Yeah, it's week in my decade.
SPEAKER_03Right, our PTOs are amazing. And um it's we've learned, Air and I, through the calendar, that there's always appreciating, and we don't want to forget anybody. So the PTO has done a great job this time of remembering bus drivers, everybody else, building staff, teachers, everybody, staff appreciation.
SPEAKER_04Yeah, because it's really up to all of us to give some give those flowers to people when they're doing good. You know, it makes a big difference, especially in a very stressful end-of-year time. Okay, you hear from them a little bit. Anything you guys would like to add that you've been seeing as a parent? Uh oh, as a parent, I you're looking at me. You're a community member, I know.
SPEAKER_00I'm the grandparent.
SPEAKER_01You're the grandparent. Yeah. So as a parent, I would say um it is exciting. May having had a daughter who's already graduated. I know all the fun things that are happening here at the high school. My son recognizing he'll be doing this in a hot second, it's already happening, it's only one more year. But really, just kudos to all the staff, the teachers, because they do work so hard to make that those last few weeks so special for the kids. I know they're doing that now. Um, my son's a football player, so they're starting in all of their gearing up for everything. Um, I love all the coaches, I love the staff. His experience there has been incredible. So going into his senior years is kind of exciting. Yeah, anything you want to add, sir?
SPEAKER_00Just on the way up here, um I noticed all the uh a line of parents and children from Clear Creek making their way up to the K, which is probably a an annual event. Yeah, ride of passage. I can remember when uh uh Tyler was my son was there, and um Mrs. Ray was the principal, I think, and viewing that, and it's because their mother taught, so she wasn't able to go to some of those things, so I tried to go. So that was kind of cool to see that still going on.
SPEAKER_04Still going on, still going on. Yes. Let's talk foundation. So, Springboro School's Education Foundation, but it's it's got a shortened name. So give us like the cool kids' lingo of how we call the foundation.
SPEAKER_01We've been calling it the borough education foundation. Um, I'm sure it'll eventually get shortened in some other way, but that's where we are right now.
SPEAKER_04And you guys are the the, you know, as we mentioned, founding members, and this has been something that's been around for a little bit, but it feels like it's really starting to pick up some steam right now. You know, it was recently written about in the business journal, and we're getting going with some public-facing events. So could you guys just tell us, Charles, as you know, the president of the foundation, why did you want to set this up?
SPEAKER_00Well, um, just looking for ways that and a lot of it came from talking to Tara, but there were there were um there were ways that we could provide benefits and resources and help to teachers that in uh and as far as finances, um and so we were doing that in the way of grants. And so I went on a website and looked at a lot of other um districts, and I was disappointed but surprised to see that how many other districts here locally have foundations and they had ongoing foundations which are funding a lot of things in their schools. So so I thought, well, why don't I think I said to you, what why don't we have one? And you said you'd like to do that. So um, and drawing on my own personal experience, uh Rebecca's mother was a teacher for 30 years and then in education for probably close to 35. But I know when we were uh after we were married, and she was teaching over in uh Dayton, Kentucky. Um she was making $6,500 a year, and I was making less than that. So you can imagine we didn't have much money, but we were always going out to uh I think it was J.R. Green or the supply store for teachers over in Covington and buying things for her class and kids. So um so that never left me. And then um and the fact that Rebecca and Tyler both graduated from Springboro, and um so we have a vested interest. Of course, I was my involvement on the school board, so so we kind of set out we didn't know what we didn't know, but we um became affiliated with um the Dayton Foundation, which was they're just super very helpful in how we can get this started. So um so we started with them and now um Rebecca's done most of the most of the legwork to get get this going, but we've got uh advisory board and and in fact now we're we received some grants. I'll let you talk about that.
SPEAKER_04Before we do that, can I just can I just comment on what is that like working together? Because you guys have done that for a good bit, haven't you? What's this? Is she the boss?
SPEAKER_01He used to be the boss. Yeah, no, I'm just kidding. We it's interesting. It's um so we have worked together. We've I have been at the funeral home since 2010. So we were together, worked together for a long time in that capacity, which is always interesting. I wouldn't trade it for anything, but anybody who says, oh, it's just just go to work for your family, it'll be super easy. What do you think? But it is, it's it's always an ever-changing dynamic, and it's um but it's great. And so he has been retired now for five years, maybe about five years, I think semi-retired, but um, so we haven't worked together for a long time. So this when he came to me with this idea and wanted to put together this foundation, and so great. So this is really us kind of um you know working together again and going over some of the same good job, but why'd you do that? Going over some of the same stuff, but it's fun.
SPEAKER_00Yeah, it has it it's good. We um we're we're getting the hang of this, and we have some other great people on the foundation board. So I'm gonna rely on them to help in a big way.
SPEAKER_04So the Borough Education Foundation um maybe about a month or so ago opened up an application for all of our teachers, K to 12, and said, Hey, we want to help fund ways for you to do creative and engaging activities in your classrooms. And uh tell us about the turnout that we that you received.
SPEAKER_01It's been awesome. I actually should have used that as my positive or my my good spotter. Um it was we had gone around and introduced the concept and what we were trying to do to all the staff members. I think it was it was it this October? It's been a while ago. Um honestly, it took a lot longer than we anticipated to just get this thing together and up and running between a website, applications. Uh, there was just a lot that went into it. So we introduced that, but then we really didn't do much with it until just very recently, until we had everything built and we had it, you know, working to where we thought. And I was worried, thinking, oh, you know, we told them about this, but it's been so long. We were overwhelmed with the amount of applications in a really awesome way. Because this just shows you how these teachers are always thinking. They're always looking. Um, in their array of it, there really is a ton of um, it's a real variety of what teachers are asking for, looking for for their students in a really encouraging way. You can tell they're just always thinking and and they jumped right on it, which is great. That's what we were hoping. We hoped maybe we'd have four or five applications, and we have over 20. So it's been good.
SPEAKER_04And these are things that we should be seeing impacts of soon. That's the idea, is that this isn't something that five years from now we'll see it um impacting our students. You have a plan for that.
SPEAKER_01We had asked that um the grant come to fruition or the money be used within the first uh half of next year. Knowing we're in spring, you've got summer, and we wanted to give enough time so that if it was anything of length, they could have the time to do that. But yes, we wanted to, and then there'll be another application process or another application um opening, probably Christmas of the end of the first semester, which could then be used in the spring, hopefully.
SPEAKER_04So and these are what kind of um dollar figure are most of these going to be ranging from?
SPEAKER_01Right now, we had said usually between 500 and a thousand. Um we are still, again, being newer and only having a certain amount, our ideas that we can grow and continue to fund so that we can actually fund some of these bigger grants that I know would be really beneficial. We just don't necessarily have the funds available to do that right now. So for anybody that we're not able to do or um fulfill their grant, please don't be discouraged because our goal is that we are able to do that um at some point, but we're just still new and working our way through it.
SPEAKER_04And if you're listening, you're thinking this sounds pretty good. I would love to help my community, my students, the the teachers around Springboro Schools. Rebecca, how can people directly give financially to assist the foundation?
SPEAKER_01Sure, it's very simple. We actually have a website for the foundation, it's boroughedufoundation.org. And if you go there, it's actually right on our homepage, a donate now button. Um, again, very simple. And I think we're gonna have a link set up from the school's website to take you directly to that, uh, to our website. So it's actually very, very easy.
SPEAKER_04And we hear often at our board meetings about the different ways that people give back and donate targets to share that good news, and we love it. And one of the ways or the avenues that people do give a lot uh of times is through the school lunch fund. And I was happy to hear that that thing's actually pretty well stocked right now.
SPEAKER_02Yes, it is. It's very healthy. Um, we appreciate um all those that donate to make sure that no student goes without their lunch. Um, but I mean, you know, I hear oftentimes about what where can we donate or what are the needs, and the needs vary so much, and so I think giving to the Springboro Education Foundation, the Borough Education Foundation, um would be a great way to donate because then they can select based off of the actual needs that that are out there. Instead of us having to try to figure out where to put the monies, um, it's just much better to go to the to the foundation.
SPEAKER_04Okay, so there it goes. Right there to their website again. Yes, please. And if you know, maybe writing a big check isn't something that is something you can do right now. We that is very understandable. Sometimes there are smaller ways to give back that actually are fun at the same time, and you guys thought about that when you plan your first sort of community event. We're going to the ballpark, Charles.
SPEAKER_00Yeah, I know. Go dragons.
SPEAKER_04So we're going to a game coming up pretty soon.
SPEAKER_01So tell us how people can get involved with that. So if you go on our website, you can find that link there as well. Uh, June 9th, a dragons game, which is always really fun. If you have younger kids, I used to love taking my kids when they were young. Now they're 16, 17, and 20, and they're like, meh, but it's so fun for families. And um, so you can buy those tickets in every we get a portion of every ticket that's bought through that link to support the foundation. So it's really a win-win. And um, if you're interested, uh visit the website and click on that link and get some tickets.
SPEAKER_04So June 9th, gates open at 6, the game's at 7.05. Fort Wayne tin caps, I believe. If you're a big, big minor league baseball fan, that's who we got for the competition. But we hope to see you in your your borough blue out there supporting for that for sure. Um, let's talk big picture hopes, dreams. Where do you see this thing going?
SPEAKER_00Well, I um uh that first meeting we had with our board, I expressed the interest in that the the fund started off with a hundred thousand dollars, and within 10 years, it'd be nice to see that fund at $1 million. That's a hefty task, but um, but we're already we've got some got some contributions in, um, and um it's just important this is a taxable, uh uh tax deductible uh donation so that so that if we do have those businesses out in the Springboro community and individuals that want to um write a bigger check, for example, um that would be great. It's tax deductible, and then and then uh and that's why we're we're affiliated with the Dayton Foundation for that benefit. And um but you know any amount would help um would help with the grants to these to the teachers, and I think it it's exciting. It's we're excited.
SPEAKER_01And just to add to that a little bit, because I think at first blush when you hear about that, oh, a hundred thousand dollar donation, which by the way comes from your own family.
SPEAKER_04We need to acknowledge that we are thankful to the Anderson family for getting that thing off the ground in a big way.
SPEAKER_01Well, you're welcome. I'm happy to do it. Um but you know, and I can understand where somebody might say it's a hundred thousand dollars, like why are they asking for more money? In order to have for this fund to continue to grow and sustain itself over what we hope is is a very, very long time, you can only give away a small percentage of that. The rule of thumb is about four percent. So when you look at our hundred thousand dollars, and we have gotten a few more donations, but four percent of that is obviously, you know, not as not as much as people might assume. So that's where our lofty million dollar goal comes into play. Um, we would have a significant amount every year to distribute it to teachers. That makes sense.
SPEAKER_04And we know that the district has meant a lot to both of you over the course of really your almost your entire lives. Could you summarize for us what it is about Springboro and Springboro schools that makes you want to take the extra step and do something like this?
SPEAKER_01Sure. Um, I think obviously I graduated from Springboro, both of my children will graduate from Springboro. Um, but more so, honestly, we live here, this is where we've raised our family, and truly I believe the future of any community is in their kids and how you treat your kids and how we educate our kids. Um, when we were talking about doing what did we want to do, we kept coming back to the schools because it really is just about the kids. And um you can't look to the future without taking care of the your children and making sure that they really have the best experience that they can. I had a great experience. I know both of my kids didn't, but I'd like that to be a little more global and make sure it touches all the kids.
SPEAKER_00So and your um your community is only as strong as your schools. And um Springboro's always had good schools, um and um we just need to continue that. Now we're we're gonna now with this building project, we're gonna we're gonna have all up-to-date facilities for uh for the children and when I say students, uh that's kindergarten, first grade, second grade. You we can we can we can do a better job than and we've done a good job, but we can do a better job with those young people to get them started off on their educational career. And I'm excited about uh the the levy being passed and everything that's gonna happen. Um so this is just another way instead of um instead of just b sitting on the sidelines and being a cheerleader, which I think we have for years, but here now we can get active, we can make things happen and and help help employees help the teachers with um instead of using their own money, we can provide the foundation, which I I think it will get to a million dollars. And um then you really then you really have to 4% of hundred thousand is one thing, but four percent of a million dollars. Now you're talking about a lot of money. We have there's one district that's not within a drive of here that actually found um uh the foundation built uh a an extension onto their school building with the money they raised, but that was well. Yeah, a little bit to go. Yeah, we've got a little bit more.
SPEAKER_04But it's out there in the universe now. One million dollars that's in the universe. We're we're letting people know that that is coming. Yeah, we we hope, with your help for sure. Um, before I let you go, I I wanted to circle back um because you know Charles Anderson is a name everybody around Springboro knows. In your retirement, what are the main things you're up to? What are we doing to fill the days these around that?
SPEAKER_00Uh well I don't I'm not gonna lie, it's been a challenge to to uh run your whole life and then and work and and uh but I enjoyed that and I've um I enjoy just traveling, putt putzing around the house. Not anything real exciting. Um so but I keep I try to keep busy. You stay active with your walks, stay active with my walks, and and uh but But it's been fun. It's been an adjustment, but I'm starting to get the hang of it now.
SPEAKER_03Okay. You're always open for breakfast if anyone tried. I'm going to make a donation and go to breakfast.
SPEAKER_00Breakfast or lunch. Or dinner.
SPEAKER_04I thought maybe we would just wrap up going back to the beginning. We were talking about those little ones taking their walk over to the K. What's everybody's go-to? You got a go-to uh dessert you get if you get your ice cream?
SPEAKER_00Well, I'm not sure they still have it, but mine was the um the um coconut and the shake. They had what are they I can't even remember what they called it. But it it was delicious.
SPEAKER_01Coconut guy.
SPEAKER_00Yeah.
SPEAKER_01Alright, Rebecca. First of all, I really want a cheeseburger if I go to the K because I do love them there. My ice cream would just be basic. The swirl and I cone. The sprinkles. See, they're already. No, I don't think so. Erin, have you had any K delicacies?
SPEAKER_04I haven't experienced the delicacies yet. Oh, start with the opening day to take pictures, but I have to zoom back so I did not get to get in line. There was a long line of middle schoolers maybe as I students do a burrow day, the K for the foundation.
SPEAKER_01Oh, that would be great.
SPEAKER_03That's a great idea. Okay. We sure do send a lot of kiddos down.
SPEAKER_05That's true. That is true.
SPEAKER_03Do you have a recommendation for me? Oh, I'm just like you. I like sprinkles and vanilla software.
SPEAKER_04I'll take a hot fudge Sunday. Oh, nice. My hot fudge. Sounds delicious. Well, thanks for tuning in to another episode of the Panther Experience Podcast, our first guest host edition. Thank you, Charles and Rebecca, for joining us. Thank you. Thank you. And we look forward to seeing the Springboro Education, the Borough Education Foundation grow. Grow and grow. Over the years. Absolutely. We have a great end of the school year. We're there. We're in May. We'll cherish all those days. We're not counting them down. We are cherishing each one. Okay. All right. Thanks, y'all. We'll have a good one. Thank you.
SPEAKER_00Thank you.