Each year the Foundation for Belmont Education requests a proposal from the Belmont Public School administration for a listing of large-scale project and professional development opportunities whose funding cannot be accommodated through the school budget. Special Initiatives typically include small capital projects, equipment purchases, facility improvements, and larger-scale curriculum programs. The Foundation's Program Committee carefully considers the proposals and makes recommendations consistent with available resources, project significance, and an assessment of widespread impact across the entire student body.

At its fall meeting, the Foundation awarded $95,840 in Special Initiatives for the 2007-08 school year.

Replacement of Acoustical Shell, Belmont High School
The Foundation awarded $22,590 to replace the aged acoustical shell in the High School Auditorium.

Poet-in-Residence, Grade 7, Chenery Middle School
The Foundation funded a Poet-in-Residence program for the 7th grade at the Chenery Middle School.

Smart Boards at Chenery
$40,000 has been awarded to permit installation of 7 mounted SMART boards plus professional development to complete the 8th grade rollout of SMART Boards at Chenery Middle School.