Support Our Public Schools on April 22

The South Washington County Schools Education Foundation has been in existence since 1996.

Never heard of the foundation? Until recently, neither had I.  

I am an 833 graduate (from Park High many, many moons ago), I raised 3 kids in the district (including one who taught in district schools for 3 years), and am an active community volunteer, but I just learned of the Foundation this winter, when I was approached about joining the all-volunteer Board.

Under my usually knowledgeable nose, nearly $500,000 has been donated to the Foundation by staff, businesses and individuals in the community.  That is almost a half million dollars awarded to innovative public education programs since the Foundation's inception.  Wow, and thank you to everyone who has supported these efforts!

This past year, a change was made in how grants are disbursed. This fall, for the first time, rather than a few foundation-determined grants, each and every district school that participates will receive a grant, with the money applied to staff-selected (and foundation approved) projects.  In response to this change, district employees more than doubled their financial commitment for 2012-13.  We believe this speaks well of the new process.  

Much of the grant money will be used to purchase technology. In a few schools, it will provide much-needed funds to update curriculum or to add books to the library shelves.

With an estimated average decline of $1,482 per pupil in Minnesota state funding from 2003 to 2013*, it is nice to know we have a community-based opportunity to support innovation and excellence in our public schools.

We are giving you an easy and fun way to make a contribution. The Taste of South Washington County Extravaganza, will take place on Monday, April 22, from 5 - 7 p.m. in the cafeteria at Woodbury Senior High (south entrance).  Here is the easy part:  Your donation of $7/adults, $5 for students ages 6-17 (free for children 5 and under) will support your local schools through Foundation grants. 

And here is the fun: While you are sampling some of the area's best foods (watch the district news for more information on participating restaurants and organizations), you can enjoy the cool sounds of all three 833 high school jazz bands, and bid on awesome silent auction items. Bring your family and friends -- It's an affordable, family-friendly event, or a nice date night for you and your gal (or guy)!

For more information on the event or to make a silent auction donation, contact event chair Natalie Seim via Email mnseim@q.com. 

For information on the Foundation or to make a financial contribution, contact board chair Pastor Joel Bexell via Email Joelbexell@comcast.net. 

See you at the Extravaganza on April 22! 

*Source:  Minnesota Department of Education