The Washoe County School District is seeking to focus more of its efforts in providing support of its teachers and involve the business community through its new organization, the Education Alliance.

The Alliance is a new partnership formed by the Education Collaborative and the Education Foundation.

"We will be able to more completely engage the community," said Denise Hedrick, executive director of the Education Collaborative.

The district celebrated the new partnership on Oct. 14 with Capitol Steps, a political satire comedy group and remarks from Paul Dugan, the superintendent and Sen. Bill Raggio.

The joining of the Education Collaborative and Education Foundation was a logical and timely step, Hedrick said.

"There have been two separate nonprofits that have supported education in our community," Hedrick said. "While we have worked well together and have similar goals, it's been sometimes confusing for the community. This will make opportunities more clear."

The Education Collaborative, Hedrick said, has been the "flagship program" in connecting businesses and services with the schools to help meet the needs of the classroom. The Collaborative's From Crayons to Computers program has allowed businesses to contribute educational resources for teachers through its warehouse on Edison Way in Reno.

The Education Foundation is responsible for supporting initiatives through the funding of 10 targeted schools that have afterschool literacy programs to help students improve their reading skills.

"The Foundation has done a great job of documenting students' growth and reading," Hedrick said.

Hedrick said the board is working on some news initatives that will be announced at a later time, but said the goal is to support programs like the new online tutoring program, Smarthinking.com, where the board "can truly make in impact on the students and allow our community to support education, which everyone believes is a priority," she said.

Hedrick said the merger has brought together a new executive board, the assignments of which could be reallocated. Board members have not yet been determined. Hedrick said she will remain involved.

For more information, visit www.ed-alliance.org.