Learning First Alliance

“The learning first alliance is an unprecedented partnership of 14 leading education associations that have come together to improve student learning in america's public elementary and secondary schools. Lfa leverages the power of its members to elevate all american public schools to world-class standards, and to prepare all students for successful lives and active citizenship. The 14 member organizations in the alliance represent millions of americans who work in and for public schools every day - including our nation's teachers, principals, parents, teacher educators, school board members, school administrators, school business officials, school counselors and other school staff. The alliance represents a self-initiated commitment by its members to work in concert to deliver common messages to all parts of the education system and beyond, align priorities, share and disseminate success stories, articulate the importance of collaboration at every level, and work towards long-term system change based on solid research.”

“The executive director and executive committee will meet to discuss a plan for growth for the forthcoming year. Membership growth will be limited to 3-5 strategically recommended organizations per year. A list of potential new lfa members will be presented to the lfa board of directors for discussion and approval on an annual schedule determined by the executive director and executive committee. Upon board approval, the lfa executive director will approach the potential member to determine interest in becoming an lfa member and ability to pay organizational dues. Once interest in membership is determined, the potential new member will be asked to complete an application that includes information that addresses lfa membership criteria. The lfa board will review the membership application and vote on admitting the new member. Should an organization not previously identified by the board and executive committee as a potential member approach lfa about joining, the executive director will gather information on the group from publicly available sources and get board approval for providing a membership application form to the potential member. On submission of the completed application form the lfa board will vote on admitting the organization to the membership. Upon board approval the new member will be provided a membership information packet and be invited to attend the next board of directors meeting. First year dues for new members will be pro-rated to align with remaining months in the fiscal year.”

“After approval by the learning first alliance (lfa) executive director, the form 990 is submitted to the lfa executive committee for its approval. After receiving executive committee approval, lfa's form 990 is filed with the internal revenue service.”

“Annually, every lfa board member signs a federal form 990 board member questionnaire as well as a statement affirming knowledge of the lfa conflict of interest policy and adherence to that policy. A copy of the policy and board member form are attached.”

“The executive director compensation is determined and approved by the board through its executive committee using written employment contracts, form 990's of other organizations and other appropriate information related to comparable positions of similar sized organizations. Other employees' compensation is determined using similar sources and approved by the executive director.”

“Learning first alliance makes its governing documents, conflict of interest policy and financial statements available for public inspection upon request. In addition, lfa will maintain its form 990 in guidestar's database of information on non-profit organizations.”

“Program services consultant: program service expenses 123,789. Management and general expenses 484. Fundraising expenses 7. Total expenses 124,280. Information technology consultant: program service expenses 217. Management and general expenses 363. Fundraising expenses 5. Total expenses 585. Public relations consultant: program service expenses 9,768. Management and general expenses 0. Fundraising expenses 0. Total expenses 9,768. Communications consultant: program service expenses 3,683. Management and general expenses 6,159. Fundraising expenses 87. Total expenses 9,929.”