The Boardman Schools Fund for Educational Excellence (BSFEE) has welcomed four new members to its board and received a donation from some alumni.

Jenefer Basista, Rachel Boyer, Holly Kleeh and Jessica O'Halloran all joined the BSFEE as of the fall of 2025. 

Basista is a veteran English teacher, who is starting her 30th year with the Boardman Local School District teaching 10th grade English, AP Seminar and Holocaust studies. She also serves as the National Honor Society advisor. 

Basista and her husband Tom raised their children Noah and Julia in Boardman. Both graduated from Boardman High School where they were active in swimming and band.

Boyer is a stay-at-home mom of four daughters including a 5th grader, 2nd grader and preschooler who will soon join the district. She currently;y serves as president of the Stadium Drive Elementary PTA and as secretary for the Boardman PTA Council.

Kleeh is also a stay-at-home mom with two children enrolled at Stadium Drive Elementary School. She serves as Vice President of the Stadium Drive PTA and is on the board for the Boardman Council PTA.

O'Halloran is an intervention specialist and special education coordinator at West Boulevard Elementary School with two children enrolled in the Boardman Local School District. 

In addition to her teaching roles, O'Halloran works as a mental health counselor and serves as an EMT in the community.

In addition, The Boardman High School Class of 1975 made a $2,000 to the BSFEE following their 50th reunion celebration over the summer. This donation will allow the BSFEE to continue to provide grants and opportunities to enhance excellence in the classroom.

The BSFEE has awarded about $150,000 grants since its inception in 2009.