The Griffin-Spalding Education Foundation and the Griffin-Spalding Partners in Education are thinking about merging into one organization, according to Partners in Education Chairman Evan Stitt, who, along with Education Foundation Chairman Raymond Ray, spoke about the issue to the Griffin-Spalding County Board of Education on Tuesday.

“We think at this time it is worthwhile to at least consider the merger of the two boards,” said Stitt. “We believe there is some opportunity for synergies.”

Partners in Education was founded in 1982 as a school-business partnership between the Board of Education and the Griffin-Spalding Chamber of Commerce. Just about four months ago, it awarded 27 mini-grants worth between $85 and $300 for small classroom-focused school projects. At that time the Education Foundation, established in 1999, funded 17 full grants ranging from $399 to $1,000.

However, both organizations are duplicating services, staff duties and fees paying for the same services, according to an informational memorandum. In addition, most people may not know about the specific purpose of each organization, Stitt said, and turning them into one could translate into greater awareness in the community.

An exploratory committee has been created to determine benefits and potential disadvantages of such a merger. That committee will make a recommendation, which each board will consider individually, and report its decision to the Board of Education and the Chamber of Commerce.

“We will only do what’s in the best interest of the children in the community,” Stitt said.