The Public Education Foundation (PEF) is opening it's new doors to local public school educators and students.
The PEFÂ left its longtime home on 10th Street in the fall of 2020, and will be opening its new doors on Holtzclaw Avenue on December 5.
"Groups of educators, teachers, principals, whether it's four or 40, can work here, developing ideas and learning together," said Dr. Dan Challener, PEF President.
The new facility is specifically designed for innovation, collaboration and learning.Â
"This space was really designed for our team and educators from across Hamilton County to have a really nice place to collaborate and work together for the strengthening and supporting public schools," Dr. Challener said.
It includes a leadership center with state of the art technology, and was named after PEF's longtime board chair, Ruth Holmberg.
The new location puts PEF in the middle of the communities it serves.
"We're in a wonderful community. We're excited about the new space. And we see a real opportunity to be a resource to people who are supporting public schools," Dr. Challener.
Dr. Edna Varner, a senior advisor at PEF, said the new space reflects growth over the years.
"Over time, as we have learned, we've learned what the space needs to do to accommodate the growing that educators need," Dr. Varner said. "When you look at this space, it's more than just a center. It reflects everything we have learned up to this point about what educators need to do their best work."
Dr. Challener said he's especially excited for teachers to use this space.
"It's been a hard few years for teachers in the nation and in our community," Dr. Challener said. "They have a place where they can come and work and feel respected and feel valued."
PEF will celebrate the official opening of the new offices, which are located at 1651 Holtzclaw Avenue, on December 5.
Beginning in January, educators, students and community members will be welcome to use it whenever they are working to support public education.
