About Us

Doing More Together!

Board of Directors Champions Executive Director
2020 Year End Review

In 2000, the Winchester Education Foundation was created as a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization to facilitate a public-private partnership between the Winchester Public Schools, the Handley Board of Trustees, and private citizens and businesses, which recognize the value of excellence in public education in Winchester, Virginia. The Winchester Education Foundation seeks to raise funds, through various means, for Winchester Public Schools. Join the Winchester Education Foundation.

Judge John Handley never lived in Winchester, Virginia. However, he knew people were being inspired to excellence in this small yet impressive community. Upon his death in 1895, Judge Handley donated $250,000 to Winchester, VA for the construction of a library and later for the construction of two schools. Those entrusted with his legacy built John Handley High School and Douglas School.

As a reminder to future generations, engraved on Judge Handley's tomb:
"To whom much is given; much is expected."

Projects & Programs
The Winchester Education Foundation, through generous donations of many, profoundly impacts Winchester Public School students

The WEF facilitated the donation of $100,000 for the planetarium at John Handley High School, facilitated the donation of $25,000 for pole vault pit at John Handley High School, and $80,000 for a gymnasium scoreboard. The Winchester Education Foundation is seeking new, diverse ways to engage and assist all Winchester Public School students with educational pathways which inspire, engage, and motivate for a lifetime.

Since 2014, a significant effort has been fundraising for the Emil & Grace Shihadeh Innovation Center, which will serve as the model for Career & Technical Education Facilities for the entire Commonwealth of Virginia. The project kicked off with a generous $1,000,000 contribution from Karen and Fred Schaufeld to name the facility for Karen’s parents. The WEF has also procured $1.12M from the Commonwealth of Virginia for the project and $600,000 from the private sector, local businesses, and industries. Special thanks to the Claude Moore Charitable Foundation who has donated $714,000 since 2014 to the Career & Technical Education Program.

Some of our other high impact initiatives are below

Get in Touch

Use the form below to drop us an email or give us a call.

(540) 665-0598