In the News

Oct 6, 2025

MFEE Executive Director Celebrates 10 Years

For the past decade, Masiel Rodriquez-Vars has been at the helm of the Montclair Fund for Educational Excellence (MFEE), the nonprofit that has become a vital bridge between the township, its schools and the broader community. As Montclair faces new financial and leadership challenges, Rodriquez-Vars reflects on 10 years of guiding the foundation.

Aug 27, 2025

‘IdeaLab’ Grants to Fuel Impact With a Focus on Civics

Montclair Public Schools teachers may apply for grants Aug. 28 – Oct. 31
The Montclair Fund for Educational Excellence (MFEE) is piloting a new type of educator grant for the 2025-26 school year called IdeaLab.

Jul 25, 2025

MFEE, MPS Team Up to Help Students Access Healthy Meals

Kids can’t learn if they’re hungry. That’s the reason the Montclair Fund for Educational Excellence (MFEE) and the Montclair Public Schools (MPS) are teaming up to help students access healthy meals.

Jun 24, 2025

Montclair Fund for Women Awards Grants to Area Nonprofit Organizations

In June, the Montclair Fund for Women announced it has awarded $71,000 in annual grants to area nonprofit organizations providing services to women and girls. Board of Trustees President Tanya Poteat said, “We are proud to support the vibrant and necessary work of the following non-profit organizations providing services to women and girls in Montclair and West Essex.”

Jun 17, 2025

Seventeen Montclair Educators Given Judy Weston Awards

MONTCLAIR, NJ - The Montclair Fund for Educational Excellence (MFEE) has announced the recipients of the 2025 Judy Weston Awards for Inspired Teaching, honoring 17 outstanding educators across Montclair Public Schools. Selected from a record number of nominations submitted by parents, caregivers, and students, this year’s winners reflect the spirit of excellence, innovation, and compassion that defines Montclair’s educational community.

May 29, 2025

Inspiring Montclair Teachers, Staff Earn Judy Weston Awards (See The List)

"The Judy Weston Awards shine a light on the kind of teaching that transforms lives."

May 1, 2025

Parents, Teachers, Principals to Face-Off in MFEE’s ‘Family Feud’

Name a local nonprofit that hosts seriously fun parties to fuel excellence in public schools. Survey says: The Montclair Fund for Educational Excellence! Join the fun at the MFEE “Family Feud,” a twist on the favorite game show – plus a great party – on Thursday, May 15.

Jan 8, 2025

MFEE Awards $60,000 in Grants to Local Educators.

MFEE announced more than 70 grants funded across the district in classroom innovation, social-emotional learning and professional development.

Dec 2, 2024

Make a Difference this #GivingTuesday: Support Local

Mark your calendars for December 3- Giving Tuesday! This year, make a meaningful impact in our community by supporting a local nonprofit.

Nov 22, 2024

5 Montclair Nonprofits To Support This Holiday Season

Giving Tuesday, which in 2024 falls on Dec 3, is a day dedicated to supporting nonprofit and community groups.

Nov 21, 2024

Montclair High School's "Mighty Mounties" Marching Band Take Back the Field.

Montclair High School homecoming game was the first field show for the Mighty Mounties marching band in over five years.

Sep 19, 2024

Join MFEE for Sabor Montclair! A Recipe for Equity and Access in Our Schools

Experience the unique flavors of Montclair with Sabor Montclair and support the Montclair Fund for Educational Excellence.

May 29, 2024

MFEE Announces Winners of the 2024 Judy Weston Awards!

Sixteen Montclair Public Schools teachers have been named winners of the 2024 Judy Weston Awards for Inspired Teaching, selected from a pool of 300 total nominations.

May 20, 2024

Scenes from the MFEE Amazing FundRACER 5.0

There were 72 FundRACER teams, 70 volunteers, 30 sponsors, 916 donors and 1088 participants that helped raise $95,000.

Feb 27, 2024

MFEE’s ‘Life After High School’ Conference Empowers Teens and Parents

More than 200 parents, caregivers, teens and members of the Montclair community gained insights and inspiration for tackling challenges of post-high school life at “Life After High School” mini-conference Saturday.

Oct 24, 2023

MFEE Navegadores Program Helps Latino Families Navigate Montclair Public Schools

When Camila Chavarria-Delgado started the fifth grade four years ago, after recently immigrating from Nicaragua with her family, she spent her first day of school silent.

Jun 7, 2023

Weston Awards celebrate creative and inspiring teachers

The 2023 Judy Weston Awards for Inspired Teaching honored Montclair teachers Thursday, June 1, celebrating those who stand out as creative, talented, supportive, inspired and inspiring.

Apr 16, 2023

Selection committee for Weston awards composed of local education leaders

A group of 13 local education leaders will review nominations for the Judy Weston Awards for Inspired Teaching.

Feb 22, 2023

Judy Weston Awards: 16 Montclair Public School Teachers Will Receive $2000

MFEE is excited to announce the return of the Judy Weston Awards for Inspired Teaching. This spring, sixteen teachers from throughout Montclair Public Schools will be selected to receive individual cash awards of $2,000, including one award designated specifically for a special education teacher, thanks to the generosity of the Weston family.

Jan 19, 2023

Montclair Fund for Educational Excellence awards $60,000 in teacher grants

The annual grants are broken into three categories — educational excellence, professional development, and social and emotional learning. The projects include curating a library of culturally representative literature, creating a schoolwide compost program and engaging middle school students to paint a mural in the school bathroom with QR codes linking to mental health resources.