P.O. Box 2071, Clifton, New Jersey 07015, United States
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
Janet Kolano, Interim President
Kim Nouhan-Puzzo, Communications Director
Janet Kolano, Interim President
The CEF welcomes back former trustee Janet Kolano, who will serve as our Interim President for the 2023-24 school year. A lifelong Clifton resident, Janet attended School 5 and Woodrow Wilson Junior High School before graduating from Pope Pius XII High School. She received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Elementary Education K-8 from Mount S
The CEF welcomes back former trustee Janet Kolano, who will serve as our Interim President for the 2023-24 school year. A lifelong Clifton resident, Janet attended School 5 and Woodrow Wilson Junior High School before graduating from Pope Pius XII High School. She received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Elementary Education K-8 from Mount St. Mary College in Newburgh, NY as well as a Master’s Degree in Counseling and her 6th year level in Supervision and Administration from Montclair State University.
Janet served as a teacher, counselor and elementary principal in Clifton for 25 years before her retirement, serving on a multitude of parent advisory groups, and curricular and extra-curricular committees as both a parent and educator including the School 15 HSA, CASA (Clifton Against Substance Abuse), Master Plan Committee, TIDE (Teachers Interested in Drug Education), Passaic County Administrators’ Association, and Child Placement Review Board (Passaic County Judicial Program), just to name a few. She brings a breadth of knowledge and experience that is an invaluable asset to the CEF.
A recipient of the Excellence in Education Award in 1990, Janet was also recognized as the Clifton Teachers’ Association Educator of the Year in 1999. She is an active member of Saint Philip the Apostle Roman Catholic Church in Clifton, where she serves as a Eucharistic Minister. Janet and her husband of 53 years, Dennis, raised five CHS graduates; Colleen, John, Janette, Kathleen and Danny. They enjoy traveling, spending time with family and supporting their eight grandchildren and their sports activities.
Loretta Ahmad, Treasurer
Kim Nouhan-Puzzo, Communications Director
Janet Kolano, Interim 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
Patricia Lewis Roennau, Secretary
Kim Nouhan-Puzzo, Communications Director
Kim Nouhan-Puzzo, Communications Director
Patty has lived in Clifton since 1991 and became a trustee on the Clifton Education Foundation in 2022, assuming the role of Secretary for the CEF in 2023. She attended the Tobe-Coburn School for Fashion Careers and The New York Institute of Technology. She worked for NBC for 40 years with positions at NBC Radio News, NBC News, WNBC TV an
Patty has lived in Clifton since 1991 and became a trustee on the Clifton Education Foundation in 2022, assuming the role of Secretary for the CEF in 2023. She attended the Tobe-Coburn School for Fashion Careers and The New York Institute of Technology. She worked for NBC for 40 years with positions at NBC Radio News, NBC News, WNBC TV and NBC News Overnight where the staff was awarded the prestigious Peabody Award. Ending her career as an Associate Director, she is a member of the Directors Guild of America. The mother of Andrew, a CHS graduate, Patty has been active in Clifton Public Schools for over 20 years having served as School Fourteen’s HSA President for 4 years and Woodrow Wilson Middle School’s HSA President for 3 years. She was a member of the CHS Mustang Band Parent Association, Inc. for 4 years. Additionally, she has also worked as a substitute secretary in Clifton schools since her retirement. Patty and her husband Eric were awarded Seton Hall’s Mother Seton Award for their active work in the University. In her leisure time, Patty enjoys hiking with her family, quilting, bike riding, photography and reading.
Kim Nouhan-Puzzo, Communications Director
Kim Nouhan-Puzzo, Communications Director
Kim Nouhan-Puzzo, Communications Director
Kim joined the Clifton Education Foundation Board in 2021, becoming the Communications Director in 2022. 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
Kim joined the Clifton Education Foundation Board in 2021, becoming the Communications Director in 2022. 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.
Karin Christiaens
Ernest J. Scheidemann
Karin Christiaens
Karin, a lifelong resident of Clifton, joined the Clifton Education Foundation in 2022. A graduate of the CHS Class of 1969, she is also a graduate of William Paterson University where she earned a Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education. Deeply rooted in the community, Karin worked for the Clifton Recreation Department upon graduating f
Karin, a lifelong resident of Clifton, joined the Clifton Education Foundation in 2022. A graduate of the CHS Class of 1969, she is also a graduate of William Paterson University where she earned a Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education. Deeply rooted in the community, Karin worked for the Clifton Recreation Department upon graduating from high school, supervising playgrounds, judging contests and administering arts and crafts. She has been a religious educator since 1973 and was a volunteer at Clifton Safety Town for 20 years, receiving the Friend of Youth Award from the Clifton Optimist Club for her service. Before teaching elementary school students at School Three in Clifton, Karin taught nursery school at Allwood Play and Learn and Grove Hill Nursery School. A parishioner of Saint Philips RC Church, where her family received the Family of the Year Award from the Knights of Columbus, Karin is a member of the Columbiettes and the Rosary Altar Society. Karin resides in Clifton with her husband, John. She has three children, Michael, Brian and Karen Elizabeth. In her leisure time, Karin enjoys knitting, plastic craft and playing the piano.
Lila Czaplicki
Ernest J. Scheidemann
Karin Christiaens
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
Ernest J. Scheidemann
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.
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
Maryann Stagen
Maryann Stagen
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, the foundation has awarded 612 school grants totaling $217,000, funded $35,000 to implement the STEAM Makerspace Program, and has awarded nine worthy seniors a $1,000 "Marie L. Hakim Scholarship for Future Educators”. In 2023, CEF became the administrator of the Daniel Listmeier Memorial Scholarship, given to two ASPIRE students who have demonstrated a desire and commitment to overcome obstacles to achieve their goals. Our Clifton Community has 20 public schools with a student population of over 11,000 students in Clifton. The Clifton Education Foundation supports initiatives not typically funded through the traditional school district budget, providing mini-grants for reading, Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics (STEAM) 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 Media Centers, Journalism, and Mindfulness programs, as well as classrooms for the future.
Grants are funded through private foundations, the generosity of companies, local merchants and professionals, and individual donors who are invested in our schools and community. The CAST Film Festival, Faculty Dress Down Day, and the Lollipops and Roses Concert featuring the Clifton Community Band under the direction of former CHS Band Director, Robert Morgan, are annual fundraisers sponsored by the foundation. We gratefully receive honorary and memorial donations.
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.
