CREF (Cobleskill Richmondville Educational Foundation)
CREF (Cobleskill-Richmondville Educational Foundation)
Education Foundation
The Cobleskill-Richmondville Education Foundation was established through the inspiration and guidance of Samuel A. Shevat, who served as superintendent of schools from 1987 to 2007. It was Mr. Shevat’s vision to promote the Education Foundation to benefit students.
The Education Foundation is a not-for-profit organization founded to support, enhance, and promote excellent educational opportunities for students in the Cobleskill-Richmondville Central School District that are innovative and supplemental to the school budget. Additionally, funding shall foster the intellectual, emotional, physical, or social development of students.
CREF funds many different aspects of school enrichments, including:
- Performing Arts
- Speciality Events
- Culutural Enrichment
- Emotional Wellbeing
- Physical and Social Development
- Faculty and Staff Development
- Intellectual Development
- Curriculum Development
- Classroom Activities
- Educational Outreach
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The Foundation promotes a love of learning by funding projects in all areas of the school program. Students, drawn in by innovative methods, are more like to stay in school and achieve their goals. The Foundation works with the community to ensure that endowments will continue for future generations.
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Since its inception, the Foundation has awared more than 200 grants/scholarships along with 600-plus Rapid Access Grants, affecting more than 4,000 students. C-REF has encouraged innovative programs that make students want to learn. It is opportunities like these that The Foundation will support for years to come.
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The Foundation Board is comprised of volunteers with backgrounds in education, finance and other professions. These individuals know that private funding is needed, even in public schools, to act as a catalyst that will help transform students' lives. Members are keenly aware of their fiduciary responsibilities and provide skills in money management and oversight.
President: Gayle Gaetano Westervelt
Vice President: Sean McAllister
Secretary: Ruth Van Deusen
Co Treasurers: Cathy Weidman & Kristen Kilpeck LoderTrustees: Lisa Crapser, Anthony Esposito, Lisa Fagnani Yorke, Steven Maniscalco, Paul
Murray, Jennifer Rightmyer, Samuel Shevat, Christine Thaxter, Diane Truesdell, Anita Wright, Alyssa Tusang-Lillich and Megan Hassick.Administration:
Matthew Sickles: Superintendent
Lydia VanEvera : Administrative Assistant
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2025-26
Jan. 8, 2026: C-REF Funds Prizes for Golding Spelling Bee Winners
Feb. 25, 2026: Radez Den Opens as New Sensory Support Space for Students2022-23
Feb. 9, 2023: Sweethearts & Heroes presentation sponsored by C-REF
Feb. 13, 2023: C-REF funds robot project for Ryder makerspace
2021-22
May 24, 2022: Stewart's grant funds C-REF initiative
April 7, 2022: Class of 1951 makes donation to CREF
Feb. 16, 2022: CREF grant supports young readers
Oct. 28, 2021: CREF debuts student grant initiative with more than $23,000 in awards
2020-21
July 1, 2021: CREF grants fund garden, recess equipment
June 8, 2021: Photos: CREF grant springs surprise snacks
May 19, 2021: CREF grants reflect student choice
March 25, 2021: CREF, Sterling support C-R seniors
January 8, 2021: A hop, skip and jump along Radez' sensory path
June 5, 2020: CREF funds Brighten the Day project
April 20, 2020: CREF receives $1,000 grant from Stewart's -
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CREF Grant Applications
Keep in mind when considering CREF Grant ideas:
- repeat CREF grants (for the same items or same general project) are not accepted
- CREF grants cannot be used for supplies that could/should be ordered through school funds
- CREF grant ideas should be reviewed/approved by your building principal first
- CREF grants should be more of an, activity, project or event that will have larger impact and/or be ongoing, rather than simply things items
C-R CREF Committee Chairs: Diane Truesdell and Christine Thaxter
Ryder: Diane Truesdell, Jennifer Hanes
Radez: Bryan Rice, Kristen Schel
Golding: Donna Pacatte, Laura Gagnon
High School: Patty Maniscalco, Joseph Powers
GOAL:
“Funding shall foster the intellectual, emotional, physical, or social development of students.”
VISION:
“Funding shall foster the intellectual, emotional, physical, or social development of students.”
