About Us

Vision Statement:

All DeKalb County Central United School District students will graduate ready to enroll, enlist, or be employable after succeeding in a first-class learning environment.

Mission Statement:

The DeKalb Central Foundation bridges students, alumni, and community with opportunities to fulfill our school district’s resource gaps and strengthen student success to build a healthy community.

Core Values:

1. Student Success – Helping students develop the attributes of Portrait of a Baron Graduate.

2. Communication – Alumni and community knowledge and understanding of what is going on in our schools.

3. Alumni Relations – Fostering postsecondary connections and relations as well as honoring the successes of our graduates.

4. Community Relationships – Involved in philanthropy on behalf of the school district, support financially through resources, and opportunities.

5. Inclusiveness – Bridging our students, alumni, and community.

6. Innovation – Supporting our schools with leading programs and resources.

Goals: 

• Facilitating community relationships on behalf of the local school district, resulting in increased community support for local school and students.

• Raising financial support for the long-term enhancement and resource gaps of the school district.

• Serving a wide range of stakeholders while functioning as a bridge between students, alumni, and community.

History

The DeKalb Central Foundation traces its roots back to 1967, when three community leaders—Donald T. Mefford, James W. Hamilton, and Donald E. Kelly—established the DeKalb Central Alumni Foundation. Their vision was to create an organization that would encourage charitable giving to DeKalb Central Schools and support programs that enhance educational opportunities for students throughout the district.

Since its founding, the Foundation has quietly served the DeKalb Central community as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, making a lasting impact without seeking recognition. Over the years, it has distributed more than $150,000 annually to a wide variety of educational programs, initiatives, and classroom needs across the school system. In addition, the Foundation has awarded numerous scholarships to DeKalb High School graduates, helping students pursue higher education and achieve their academic goals.

In 2015, the Executive Board recognized an opportunity to broaden the Foundation's mission and expand its impact beyond its alumni roots. As part of this renewed vision, the organization was renamed the DeKalb Central Foundation, reflecting its commitment to serving the entire DeKalb Central community while continuing its longstanding tradition of investing in students, educators, and educational excellence.