Frequently Asked Questions
- What is your mission?
- To support quality education for all the children of St. John in a safe and nurturing environment.
- I don't have children in St. John schools. Why should I contribute?
- All residents, homeowners and businesses have a stake in the future of St. John. All of us recognize that St. John is a special place in part because of the quality of the people who call St. John home and the relationships residents, visitors and businesses enjoy within the local community. That is why St. John is rightfully called "Love City. This special place will not endure if we don't invest in its future, starting with its children. By educating the island's children we can ensure they grow into productive, responsible, and fulfilled adults who provide the leadership St. John needs for the future. For that reason, Kids First! appeals even to those who don't have children in the local schools to provide their full support.
- Why are you focusing on early learning programs?
- To be most effective we must focus our activities where we can have the greatest impact. We chose early learning programs because the years from birth to age five are the most critically important period for human development. High quality early learning initiatives can greatly improve a child’s readiness to begin formal schooling and to thrive in subsequent years.
- Will you also support grade 1 -12 initiatives?
- Yes. We expect approximately 20% of our funding will be directed to grade 1-12 initiatives.
- What is the significance of the name of your organization, Kids First!
- The name Kids First! makes our priority clear—the education of St. John children. Every action we take is intended to be in the best interest of the island’s children. We have no other agenda. We will reach out to every segment of the community who has an interest in the welfare of our children and the future of our island to help meet the educational needs of our children.
- What is the structure of Kids First!?
- Kids First! is a Virgin Island non-profit corporation and is an IRS designated 501(c)(3) non-profit for purposes of taxes. Kids First! has a board of directors consisting of people interested in supporting the educational needs of the children of St. John.
Bruce Claflin, a homeowner on St. John since 2001 is a director and the President of Kids First! Since 2006 when he retired after 33 years in business, Bruce and his wife wife now live much of the year in St. John. As will be the case with all directors, this is a volunteer position and there will be no compensation.
- What qualifies Mr. Claflin to do this job?
- Mr. Claflin's family has long supported education. Following the Civil War in 1869, Mr. Claflin's great-great-grandfather founded Claflin University (formerly Claflin College) in order to educate the children of freed slaves. Claflin University continues to educate young people as a historically black college located in South Carolina. A Claflin was also one of the founders of Boston University.
Mr. Claflin is a retired CEO of 3Com Corporation, a billion dollar plus global information technology company. Prior to joining 3Com, Mr. Claflin held senior positions at IBM including President of the Personal Computer Company/Americas and General Manger of Asia/South Pacific. Mr. Claflin also was Executive Vice President of Sales and Marketing for Digital Equipment Corporation.
Mr. Claflin is the chairman of the board of directors of AMD Corporation, a NY Stock Exchange company, a director of Ciena Corporation, a NASDAQ company, and a member of the Liberal Arts Development Council of Penn State University. Mr. Claflin graduated with a BA in Political Science from Penn State and was named Distinguished Alumnus of Penn State, the university's highest honor for graduates who have distinguished themselves in their fields of endeavor.
Mr. Claflin and his wife Kerry, have three grown children and three grandchildren.
Kids First! St. John Copyright 2008