Northshore Schools Foundation

While Washington State's constitution proclaims that it is "the paramount duty of the state to make ample provision for the education of all children..." and our Governor's budget proposal is guided by the principle that "our children deserve the best public education we can provide to ensure their future success and that of our state", you can be sure that K-12 education, as well as many other important social services, will be impacted significantly over the next few months and years.  

In the words of the Governor, when she called back the legislature, "While we have worked to adhere to these principles, reductions of this magnitude are impossible without harming many important programs and services.  ...The alternatives we have put forward could have dire repercussions for the citizens of our state, especially those who have already been affected the most by previous cuts to state services."

Following year after year of State funding cuts to our schools, yet another reduction in funding could be devastating. The education of our children is key if we are to look forward to a brighter future; reducing the quality of their schooling and expecting them to be contenders in an increasingly competitive workplace is like planting dandelions and expecting to harvest roses.  

What can you do to get involved?

1) In times like these, our legislature needs to hear from each and every one of us about the real impact these cuts have on our families. Please send a note to your legislative representative, asking that the state honor the constitution and their paramount duty to provide for the education of our children.

2) Share your time and talents. Contact your local school or the school's PTA to see how you can support the programs that enrich your neighborhood school.  A myriad of skills are in demand: find out how you can assist the educational experience of our students. 

3) Open your wallet to support education.  The Northshore Schools Foundation is the fiduciary representative of parents and community members who believe in strong schools: that is you.  While we are unsure exactly what the impact of the state's cuts will be, you can be assured that the Foundation is committed to helping our community address the gap. 

Make a Bridging the Gap donation now so that when our district is faced with difficult local funding decisions, we can be there to help.

Schools Foundations state wide make an impact on students services.

Look beyond the alarming headlines about education funding cuts and you'll discover a quiet revolution. Parents are turning their passion for high quality public education into action. Driven by a desire to combat the effect of shrinking state revenues, they are collaborating with K-12 Education Foundations to infuse schools with critical financial resources.

Washington State is home to at least 45 schools foundations, located in communities from Vancouver to Spokane Valley. These independent, non-profit organizations are connected by a shared mission of connecting community resources to public school needs.

Why K-12 Education Foundations?

The growth of schools foundations in our state is evidence of an indisputable fact: continued cuts to education funding have made private investment in our public schools a necessity.

"Schools foundations empower parents," says Robin Callahan, Executive Director of the Issaquah Schools Foundation. "We offer a way for them to make a tangible impact on both the quality and quantity of resources available to their children. Parents are acutely aware that their children are our greatest natural resource. To shortchange their education, is to shortchange our future."

During the 2010-2011 school year alone, six Eastside K-12 foundations -- Bellevue, Edmonds, Issaquah, Mercer Island, Lake Washington and Northshore -- contributed a collective $3.6 Million to their schools. The funds supported a variety of initiatives including Literacy Enhancement, After-School Enrichment Programs, Summer School Scholarships an Access Fund for Low-income students and Computer Science and Web Design Classes taught by IT Professionals. At Mercer Island Schools Foundation, a Bridge the Gap Campaign even funded teaching positions.

Many of the Eastside foundations also invest in mentoring programs, curriculum support, Classroom Grants, STEM (Science, Engineering, Technology and Math) subjects and professional development scholarships--particularly National Board Certification: an advanced teaching credential recognized as having a positive impact on student achievement.

Says Penny Yantis, longtime Executive Director of the Mercer Island Schools Foundation, "We all work to provide the education our children deserve, our parents expect and the 21st century workplace will demand. And, while our fundraising methods and specific investments may differ, we all count on community support for our success."

Make a Difference

Whether you are a parent of a K-12 student, business owner or community member, the Eastside Schools Foundation Consortium urges you to learn more about your local education foundation. "There are so many ways to give," concludes Roxanne Shepherd of the Bellevue Schools Foundation. "Cash donations are just one way to contribute. Volunteer opportunities abound. The important thing is to get involved. You'll make a difference to every student, in every classroom, in every school."

Donations to the Northshore Schools Foundation are tax deductible!

 Making a tax deductible donation during this year can help stretch your hard earned dollars a little farther, by offering tax relief and helping out causes of your choice.

Click here to make your tax deductible donation now.

• How to save money on taxes 
• Charitable giving 101 - from The Network for Good
• IRS Charitable giving guidelines

Thank you 

Foundation

Sponsors!