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Clifton Education Foundation

Investing in our community's future

Investing in our community's futureInvesting in our community's future

Co-Founders

Marie L. Hakim

Marie L. Hakim

Marie L. Hakim

The late Marie L. Hakim is one of the co-founders of the Clifton Education Foundation.  Marie was a lifelong resident of Clifton and an accomplished educator for 34 years before her retirement.  She served on the Clifton Board of Education for 19 years and in 1998, while President, organized the Clifton Education Foundation along with Bob Zschack.  Marie had a boundless supply of energy, enthusiasm, and passion for keeping abreast of education trends and legislation that affected public education.

Robert Zschack

Marie L. Hakim

Marie L. Hakim

The late Robert Zschack is the second co-founder of the Clifton Education Foundation, who helped raise thousands of dollars for the organization.  He was a lifelong resident of Clifton and an accomplished educator for 38 years before his retirement.  His volunteer work for Clifton was prodigious and long-reaching.

Trustees

Michele Morgan, President

Bonnie Stambuli, Secretary

Michele Morgan, President

Michele has been the President of the Clifton Education Foundation since 2006. A graduate of Clifton Schools, she received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Elementary Education K-8 with a concentration in Science from Glassboro State College (Rowan University). Michele taught in Clifton for 38 years before her retirement, serving on a multitu

Michele has been the President of the Clifton Education Foundation since 2006. A graduate of Clifton Schools, she received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Elementary Education K-8 with a concentration in Science from Glassboro State College (Rowan University). Michele taught in Clifton for 38 years before her retirement, serving on a multitude of parent advisory groups, and curricular and extra-curricular committees, in addition to organizing numerous civic fundraising and humanitarian efforts. She served as a Safety Patrol Advisor for many years, traveling with the student safety patrol to Washington, DC. A former majorette with the CHS Mustang Band, Michele served as an Assistant Band Director, training and working with majorettes alongside her husband, retired long-time Mustang Band Director Bob Morgan. She is a past recipient of the Governor’s Award for Excellence in Education. An active member of the First Lutheran Church in Clifton, Michele taught Sunday School for 15 years and has served on the church council. She and Bob reside in Clifton and enjoy traveling and spending time with their family, especially their five grandchildren.

Loretta Ahmad, Treasurer

Bonnie Stambuli, Secretary

Michele Morgan, President

Loretta has been the Treasurer of the Clifton Education Foundation since its inception in 1997.  In addition to her role as Treasurer, she is a passionate fundraiser for the foundation. Loretta received an Associate of Arts degree in Business Administration from Fairleigh Dickinson University.  She was employed at Hoffmann-La Roche for 20

Loretta has been the Treasurer of the Clifton Education Foundation since its inception in 1997.  In addition to her role as Treasurer, she is a passionate fundraiser for the foundation. Loretta received an Associate of Arts degree in Business Administration from Fairleigh Dickinson University.  She was employed at Hoffmann-La Roche for 20 years in an administrative capacity, ending her career as a Supervisor of Medical Documentation. In 1987, she left Hoffmann-La Roche to focus on family and raise her four children, Said, Dena, Dean and Adam, and became an enthusiastic volunteer in the Clifton Public School District. She has served in various parent organization roles at School 2, Woodrow Wilson Middle School, and Clifton High School, as well as being involved in a variety of community activities.  Loretta resides in Clifton with her husband, Odeh, and they enjoy spending time with their family, especially their five grandchildren and one great-grandson.  In her spare time, Loretta enjoys scrapbooking, researching family history, and playing word games and chess

Bonnie Stambuli, Secretary

Bonnie Stambuli, Secretary

Bonnie Stambuli, Secretary

Bonnie has served as the Secretary of the CEF since 2006. A graduate of Clifton Schools, she received a Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education K-8 from Wagner College and a Master of Education degree in Reading from Jersey City State University.  Bonnie taught first and third grades at Schools 15 and 17 in Clifton for 43 years

Bonnie has served as the Secretary of the CEF since 2006. A graduate of Clifton Schools, she received a Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education K-8 from Wagner College and a Master of Education degree in Reading from Jersey City State University.  Bonnie taught first and third grades at Schools 15 and 17 in Clifton for 43 years before her retirement. She continues to volunteer in the School 17 Media Center. She served as a Safety Patrol Advisor for over 30 years, traveling with the student safety patrol to Washington, DC. During her tenure with Clifton schools, she worked diligently to raise awareness for substance abuse education, as well as participating in a variety of educational initiatives. She is a past recipient of the Governor’s Award for Excellence in Education. She and her husband, Joseph, reside in Clifton and enjoy family time with their children and four grandchildren. Bonnie also enjoys reading and spending time at the Jersey shore.

Lila Czaplicki

Bonnie Stambuli, Secretary

Bonnie Stambuli, Secretary

Lila has been a trustee on the Clifton Education Foundation Board since 2009. She is the sister of CEF co-founder Marie Hakim. A graduate of Clifton Public Schools, Lila grew up working at Alexander’s Department Store in Clifton alongside her four siblings and parents, Alexander and Ramza Hakim, the proprietors. Lila graduated from the Es

Lila has been a trustee on the Clifton Education Foundation Board since 2009. She is the sister of CEF co-founder Marie Hakim. A graduate of Clifton Public Schools, Lila grew up working at Alexander’s Department Store in Clifton alongside her four siblings and parents, Alexander and Ramza Hakim, the proprietors. Lila graduated from the Essex College of Business. Before her retirement in 2006, she was an executive assistant for a variety of companies, including J. P. Stevens and Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corp. An avid traveler, Lila and her husband, John, enjoy traveling in the U.S. and internationally. The parents of John and Suzanne, they love spending time with family, especially their four grandchildren, attending their school, athletic and social functions. Lila and John now reside in Ocean Township, NJ where she enjoys jigsaw puzzles, making crafts and playing cards in her free time. 

Thomas Mullin

Ernest J. Scheidemann

Kim Nouhan-Puzzo

Thomas Mullin has been a trustee with the Clifton Education Foundation since 2001. He received a Bachelor of Arts degree from St. Peter’s University and a Master of Arts degree from Fordham University. He completed his 6th year level in Administration and Supervision at Montclair State University. A retired teacher, Tom taught French, Eng

Thomas Mullin has been a trustee with the Clifton Education Foundation since 2001. He received a Bachelor of Arts degree from St. Peter’s University and a Master of Arts degree from Fordham University. He completed his 6th year level in Administration and Supervision at Montclair State University. A retired teacher, Tom taught French, English and Russian at CHS before becoming the Supervisor of World Languages. Additionally, he taught ESL in the Clifton Evening School before becoming its director. He has served as a Commissioner on the Clifton Board of Recreation for over 40 years, receiving the Clifton Friend of Recreation Award in 2001, and in 2018 was recognized by the Mayor and City Council for his many years of service. He is also on the Knights of Columbus Scholarship Committee, receiving a Special Appreciation Award in 2015 for his many contributions. Tom taught an AARP Safe Driving Course for 10 years and methodology classes for the United States Power Squadrons. He is presently involved in the Vessel Safety Inspection program through them in conjunction with the US Coast Guard.

A resident of Clifton, Tom enjoys reading, gardening and traveling with his wife, Joan.

Kim Nouhan-Puzzo

Ernest J. Scheidemann

Kim Nouhan-Puzzo

Kim joined the Clifton Education Foundation Board in 2021. A graduate of Clifton Schools, she received a Bachelor of Science (Education of the Deaf, K-12) from The College of New Jersey and a Master of Education (Learning Disabilities), as well as her 6th year level (Administration/Supervision), from William Paterson University. She studi

Kim joined the Clifton Education Foundation Board in 2021. A graduate of Clifton Schools, she received a Bachelor of Science (Education of the Deaf, K-12) from The College of New Jersey and a Master of Education (Learning Disabilities), as well as her 6th year level (Administration/Supervision), from William Paterson University. She studied American Sign Language at the Interpreters Education Program at UCC. Kim taught in Clifton for 35 years, 25 years as a Teacher of the Deaf, and 10 years working with children with autism and learning disabilities. She  taught ASL for the Clifton Adult School, establishing a Senior Citizen Outreach Program for School 14. She received the First Annual Governor’s Teacher Recognition Award in 1986 and was chosen to participate in the Governor’s Convocation on Excellence in Education that same year. In 1990, she was the ASL interpreter for the Jefferson Awards ceremonies at the Supreme Court and the White House in Washington, DC. She received the Clifton Teachers’ Association Educator of the Year Award in 2014. Kim resides in Clifton with her husband, retired Clifton Elementary Principal Luca Puzzo. She enjoys photography and spending time with family, especially her daughter Ariana, a journalist. 

Ernest J. Scheidemann

Ernest J. Scheidemann

Ernest J. Scheidemann

Ernie has been a trustee on the Clifton Education Foundation Board since 1999. He received a Bachelor of Science from St. Peter’s College in addition to being a graduate of the Realtor Institute. A true renaissance man, Ernie has served our community, county and state in a variety of capacities. Before retiring from teaching, he taught ch

Ernie has been a trustee on the Clifton Education Foundation Board since 1999. He received a Bachelor of Science from St. Peter’s College in addition to being a graduate of the Realtor Institute. A true renaissance man, Ernie has served our community, county and state in a variety of capacities. Before retiring from teaching, he taught chemistry in Clifton Public Schools for 33 years, where he received the Clifton Teachers’ Association Educator of the Year award and served as President of the CHS Faculty Organization. He continues to be the well-respected Real Estate and Insurance Broker/Proprietor of The Ernest T. Scheidemann Agency located in Clifton, established in 1916 by his grandfather. Ernie has held a variety of civic and business positions throughout his professional career, including President of the Wayne Democratic Organization and member of the Passaic County Democratic County Committee, a member and chairman of the Wayne Township Board of Adjustment and Planning Board, Trustee of the Clifton Mental Health organization and Downtown Clifton Economic Development Group, and Alternate Director of the Passaic County Board of Realtors. He is a member of the Passaic County Board of Taxation and has served as their president, as well as a certified Tax Assessor and Notary Public for the State of NJ. Ernie is the father of seven children and a grandfather of 15. A poet and a world traveler, Ernie enjoys conversing with people, all types of fishing, and participating in life.

Maryann Stagen

Ernest J. Scheidemann

Ernest J. Scheidemann

Maryann, a lifelong resident of Clifton, has been a trustee on the Clifton Education Foundation since 2004. She received a Bachelor of Arts degree and a Master of Arts degree in French from Montclair State University. A recipient of the prestigious Margaret B. Holz Scholarship, Maryann studied for a year in Grenoble, France.  She taught F

Maryann, a lifelong resident of Clifton, has been a trustee on the Clifton Education Foundation since 2004. She received a Bachelor of Arts degree and a Master of Arts degree in French from Montclair State University. A recipient of the prestigious Margaret B. Holz Scholarship, Maryann studied for a year in Grenoble, France.  She taught French for 34 years at West Essex High School in North Caldwell before her retirement.  Maryann is an active member of  St. John the Baptist Orthodox Church in Passaic, serving as a cantor since 1990, and later assuming the additional role as the choir directress.  She served as a Board Member of the Clifton Arts Center.  A talented pianist, Maryann enjoys singing and speaking French with the group Alliance Francaise de Montclair. 

About Us

What is the Clifton Education Foundation and what is its purpose?

The Clifton Education Foundation, Inc., was formed in 1998 as a nonprofit, tax-exempt community organization, independent of the Clifton Board of Education.  Our purpose is to further the Clifton Public Schools' educational goals through the funding of creative programs and special projects that cannot be supported through the regular annual school district budget.


Our goals include the following:

  • To inform the community about the strengths and challenges faced by the Clifton Public Schools.
  • To encourage the collaboration of all corporate, business, organizational, and individual resources available to the Clifton Public Schools.
  • To provide a means for individuals and organizations to share resources and gifts with the Clifton Public Schools.
  • To foster the development of alumni resources.
  • To encourage teachers, students, and organizations of the Clifton Public Schools to pursue innovative and creative ideas and projects.

Who may apply for grants and what types of projects are funded?

Proposals are solicited annually from district teachers, administrators, parents, and students for grants to fund programs and projects that will enhance the district's course offerings, such as:

  • Math and Science Projects
  • World Language or Multicultural Programs
  • Environmental Studies
  • Art, Theatre, Music, or Literature
  • Enrichment Programs
  • Technology Projects
  • Problem Solving and Critical Thinking Activities

How can I help the Clifton Education Foundation?

Donations are always graciously accepted, as are contributions through wills, memorial donations, and bequests.  


Businesses and corporations may wish to consider setting up matching gift programs with their employees.  


All contributions to the Clifton Education Foundation are fully tax-deductible.

The Clifton Education Foundation

Additional Information

The Clifton Education Foundation, Inc. was formed in 1998 and is a tax-exempt organization with unpaid volunteers. The Foundation’s status is a tax-exempt 501 (c)(3) organization and was confirmed on December 3rd, 1999.


Our primary purpose is to help raise funds for creative programs and special projects for students who attend the Clifton Public Schools. Since 1999, we funded 565 School Grants totaling dollar sign $203,260.07.  In our Clifton Community, we have 20 schools with a student population of 10,726 students in Clifton. The Clifton Education Foundation supports initiatives that would not otherwise be funded through the traditional school district budget.  We have helped fund mini-grants for reading, Science Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) projects, history, physical education, marketing, arts and music grants, character-building programs, environmental grants, furniture and Sensory Paths for special needs children, expansion of Makerspaces in our school libraries, Journalism, and Mindfulness programs, as well as classrooms for the future.


A scholarship in memory of one of the founding members, Marie Hakim, is awarded annually to a graduating senior planning a career in education. This scholarship is supported by the Hakim family and administered by the foundation.


Our funds have been generated by sponsoring activities and events and by the generosity of companies, local merchants and professionals, and individuals who are interested in enhancing education in the classroom. We also receive honorary and memorial donations. Fundraisers have been hosted to honor individuals and annual events, including the CAST program film festival and a Lollipops and Roses Concert featuring the Clifton community band under the direction of Bob Morgan.

Board of Trustees

Ex-Officio Trustees

Ex-Officio Trustees

  • Loretta C. Ahmad, Treasurer
  • Lila Czaplecki
  • Michele Morgan, President
  • Thomas Mullin
  • Kim Nouhan-Puzzo
  • Ernest J. Sheidemann
  • Maryann Stagen
  • Bonnie Stambulli, Secretary

Ex-Officio Trustees

Ex-Officio Trustees

Ex-Officio Trustees

  • Danny Robertozzi, Ed.D., Superintendent Clifton Public Schools
  • Timothy E. Shanley, Esq., Consultant

Charter Members

Liaison to Superintendent

Liaison to Superintendent

  • Loretta C. Ahmad, Treasurer
  • Rita Foti
  • Marie L. Hakim, Co-Founder
  • Lee Kievit
  • Carol Leonard
  • William C. Liess
  • Timothy C. Shanley, Esq.
  • Margaret Sichel
  • Norma Smith
  • John Traier
  • Betty Veal, Ed. D.
  • Gerald Zecker
  • Robert Zschack, Co-Founder

Liaison to Superintendent

Liaison to Superintendent

Liaison to Superintendent

  • Samantha DeRose

Funding our Future

Your support and contributions will enable us to meet our goals and help the children in Clifton Public Schools. Your generous donation will fund our mission.

Pay with PayPal or a debit/credit card

Copyright © 2022 Clifton Education Foundation - All Rights Reserved.

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