On December 10, 1987, a group of five local business leaders filed articles of incorporation to form the Santa Rosa Educational Foundation, Inc. (SREF) The purpose of this group was to foster interest in Santa Rosa County public schools, determine educational needs addressed by the foundation, and broaden community support for public education, especially that of the business community. In 2006, the Santa Rosa School District appointed a Teacher on Special Assignment as the full-time executive director of SREF. In 2007, the original name was changed to Santa Rosa Education Foundation, Inc.
