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Article Launched: 02/13/2008 01:38:43 AM PST

Editorial: New education foundation serves crucial role in valley

First a district, then the city, now Silicon Valley.

The transformation of the Franklin-McKinley Education Foundation into the San Jose Education Foundation two years ago has led to a new Silicon Valley Education Foundation. It reflects new ambitions and new opportunities for the 34 school districts in Santa Clara County.

For years, Silicon Valley districts have been under the radar of big foundations, like Broad and Gates, because of their small size. High tech companies have expressed frustration in having to deal with so many districts.

The new foundation, created by merging the San Jose Education Foundation and the Santa Clara County Education Foundation, plans to sponsor programs that cross district lines, like an algebra summer school to encourage low-income middle school students to get on the college track. It can convene teachers and superintendents to discuss mutual concerns. And it can provide the one voice on education issues that's been missing in the valley.

The formal name change coincided with the announcement of major grants: $1.7 million from the Knight Foundation to support science, math and technology initiatives; $400,000 from Cisco Systems to develop open-source software tools for teachers; and free office space, donated by the Sobrato Family Foundation.

From Palo Alto to Alum Rock, valley districts are a diverse lot and protective of their autonomy. But a strong regional education foundation, focusing on valley issues and attracting corporate and foundation money, is vital for the valley. Districts, teachers, parents and corporations should support it.