Mission Statement

Friends of Swift is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that raises funds to support, enhance, and build the school community at George B. Swift Specialty School. We prioritize and fund programs that promote arts integration, general and after-school programs, and enrichment for students and staff. Friends of Swift seeks to foster a welcoming and inclusive environment for the Swift community and the Edgewater neighborhood.

Recent Initiatives

Friends of Swift strives to supplement the financial support provided by the Chicago Board of Education and to make Swift an exceptional choice for all students in the Edgewater community. The spending priorities of Friends of Swift are set through a cooperative relationship with the school administration, which determines the needs of the school, requests the necessary supplemental funds, and directs how those funds will be spent.

Projects made possible through supplemental funding from Friends of Swift have included:
  • Technology purchases to enhance remote learning such as laptops and cameras.
  • Photography for school events.
  • Gardening and clean-up days for the Swift community.
  • Special initiatives created by teachers.
  • Teacher and staff appreciation projects.
  • Summer Reading Program support.
  • Support for Swift Solidarity Fund mutual aid during the pandemic.
  • Renovations of the auditorium.

Board of Directors

Friends of Swift operates on a volunteer basis and encourages parents, teachers and staff, and community members to get involved. The current Board of Directors is:
  • Christy Pimentel, President, Swift staff
  • Joanna Erenberg, Treasurer, Swift parent
  • Margaret Hagerty, community member
  • Colleen Herman, Swift teacher
  • Kelsey Ledyard, Swift parent
  • Kim Li, Swift teacher
If you would be interested in joining the board of Friends of Swift, please reach out to us at [email protected]!

Board Meetings and Minutes

Everyone is welcome to attend Friends of Swift board meetings. For information about how to attend, please email [email protected].

Minutes of past meetings are available here.