Revitalized Organization Looks to Enhance Technology in Schools

Created in 1998, it's been years since the River Edge Education Foundation (REEF) has been active at the borough's public schools but behind the efforts of Jennifer Goswami and Ray Gant, the organization has been revitalized with a renewed focus.

"Our goal is to support all by fundraising for technology and other programs that can't be supported in the school budget," Goswami said. "Technology is a major need in schools but can't always be fully funded. Dr. Ben Dov says that schools are training children to be successful in a technological world where certain fields don't exist yet."

REEF is an independent non-profit 501(c)(3) volunteer organization comprised of River Edge residents, committed to enhancing the education experience of students in the elementary schools (, and ). The organization looks to bring together parents, alumni, businesses, senior citizens, and even residents whose either don't have children or their children are not yet attending the district.

"We want to get people involved, not just with fundraising, but sharing their skills with the schools," Goswami said. "It's important we have outstanding schools for the community."

Along with funding technology in the schools such as Smartboards, ELMO's, Ipads and laptops, REEF will also provide educational grants submitted by teachers and staff from all three schools.

By supporting technology and other aspects in the schools, REEF hopes to help generate a competitive student body that is well-rounded and equipped for successful entry into the Middle and High Schools and beyond while maintaining a community with a reputation for having an excellent school system.

Along with accepting donations to fund the grants and technology purchases, REEF will work with corporations for matching programs, accept gifts and bequests through wills, sales of the River Edge-Opoly game and customized paving bricks.

REEF will meet in the New Bridge Center Project Room every second Monday of each month. And can be contacted by emailing info@reefnj.org or visiting the group's Facebook page.