Who We Are:

FoCA is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization formed by Southwest Center City community members who are committed to partnering with the current and future staff, teachers and students of Chester A. Arthur, our local public K-8 school, in order to foster a robust learning environment for our neighborhood’s children. FoCA believes that a first-class education, within a safe school setting, should be the right of every child. We also believe that such an education should be provided inherently and without reservations. To that end, we facilitate the involvement and support of community members living within and near the Chester A. Arthur School catchment. Our goal is to help support current and future Arthur staff, teachers, students and parents in their effort to create and maintain a successful and safe school environment for all children who attend Chester A. Arthur.

Applying to Our Board:

All applicants will be considered, and we welcome your application. We also encourage you to share this application with anyone who might be interested. To apply, please complete this online application. If you prefer to complete a paper application, copies are available at the school and you can leave the completed version in FoCA’s mailbox in the front office at Arthur. You don't need any previous board experience, nor do you need to be an Arthur parent, to apply—just a commitment to FoCA’s mission. Completed applications are due Friday, February 23. The FoCA Board will review all completed applications submitted. After consideration of your application, we will be in touch to discuss your candidacy further if we determine that you are a good fit for our Board based on both your skills and interest.

You should apply if you:

Are passionate about volunteerism, civic engagement, public education and/or community building;
Want to help shape the future of our neighborhood and our city’s public education system;
Have big ideas and a can-do spirit; and
Can attend monthly board meetings, join at least one committee and attend associated meetings, and attend occasional events.

Please note that Board Members are required to attend monthly Board meetings and to regularly review and vote on organizational finances and other matters. Board Members are also required to serve on at least one committee. In addition, Board Members are expected to assist with FoCA Night Out, our primary fundraising event, held in March of each year, as well as other events that take place throughout the year.