Our Story

The Mountain Education Foundation (MEF) began in 1991 as a grassroots effort to preserve arts education, expand enrichment opportunities, and support technology needs in Signal Mountain's public schools.

More than three decades later, that same community spirit continues to shape our work. Through visionary leadership and extraordinary generosity, MEF has helped ensure our schools remain something truly special—and, in turn, helped Signal Mountain thrive.

Defined by its scenic mountain setting, strong sense of community, and exceptional schools, Signal Mountain has grown and evolved in remarkable ways over the years. Yet through every season of change, MEF's purpose has remained constant:

To ensure Signal schools provide the opportunities, experiences, and support that define a world-class, whole-child education.

To invest in every student’s success through a world-class, whole-child education.
To set the standard for what public education can be – ensuring every child is prepared to thrive in school and in life beyond the classroom.
At MEF, our values reflect both who we are and who we aspire to be as a community, guiding our efforts to support students, strengthen schools, and invest in the future of Signal Mountain.
Community – Strong schools and a strong community fuel one another.
Opportunity – Every student deserves the chance to learn, grow, and thrive.
Belonging – Every student deserves to feel seen, valued, and connected.
Excellence – We champion exceptional educational experiences.
Stewardship – We invest community resources wisely and responsibly.
Generosity – We believe every investment in students creates lasting impact.

MEF & PTA:
Partners in Student Success

While both organizations support Signal Mountain's public schools, they serve different—and complementary—roles.

MEF is a community-wide nonprofit that funds long-term investments benefiting students across all Signal schools. Through the Annual Fund and Endowment, MEF helps support critical staffing, educator resources, district-wide initiatives, and major projects across four key pillars that strengthen the whole-child educational experience.

PTAs are school-specific volunteer organizations that enrich the day-to-day experience of students, families, and teachers. They organize teacher support, foster school community, and fundraise for classroom and campus needs.

Together, MEF and the PTAs work in close partnership with school leadership to ensure every school has the people, programs, and resources students need to thrive.

MEF

Supports all Signal public schools
Led by professional staff and a volunteer Board of Directors
Focuses on long-term strategy, major investments, and community-wide impact
Raises and stewards philanthropic gifts from individuals, families, businesses, alumni, and foundations

PTA

Supports one school
Led by parent volunteers
Focuses on school-specific enrichment, volunteerism, and campus needs
Raises funds primarily through school communities and parent-led initiatives

A Letter from the Director

Ashley Hurst

Executive Director

Exceptional schools don't just shape students—they strengthen an entire community.

And what a privilege it is to call this extraordinary community home.

Today, MEF serves more than 2,800 students across Nolan Elementary, Thrasher Elementary, and Signal Mountain Middle High School. Since 1991, our community has invested nearly $30 million in our schools, unlocking opportunities that enrich every stage of a student's educational journey.

But exceptional schools don't remain exceptional by accident. As Signal Mountain grows, so do the opportunities – and the challenges. Excellence isn't something we achieve once and simply maintain. It must be continually renewed through vision, investment, and a community committed to staying ahead of what's possible.

With nearly 90% of our elementary students continuing on to Signal Mountain Middle High School, the decisions we make today will shape the educational experience of generations to come. The question isn't whether our schools are exceptional today. The question is whether we're willing to make the investments necessary to ensure they're even more exceptional tomorrow.

Fortunately, this community is uniquely positioned to answer that call.

In 2024, MEF reached a transformational milestone: our endowment grew large enough to permanently fund the Foundation's operating expenses. As a result, 100% of every Annual Fund gift now goes directly to supporting students, educators, and schools. It's a distinction few education foundations can claim—and one that ensures every donor sees the direct impact of their generosity.

Now it's time to redefine what's possible. To dream bigger. To think bolder. And to invest in the people, programs, and opportunities that will keep Signal Mountain schools among the very best for generations to come.

I am honored to help lead the Foundation into its next chapter alongside an exceptional Board of Directors, dedicated partners, generous supporters, and a community that believes deeply in its public schools.

Together, we're strengthening academics, expanding the arts, investing in athletics, and fostering a culture of leadership and service to create a world-class, whole-child educational experience.

We've inherited something extraordinary. Now it's our opportunity—and our responsibility—to build what comes next.

Ashley Hurst
Executive Director
Mountain Education Foundation