Contact: Susan L. Esau, Executive Director, 330-1941 or sesau@usd497.org
The Lawrence Schools Foundation is establishing a special, short-term Budget Assistance Fund for the school district in response to those in the community who want to help the Lawrence Public Schools. Contributions are now being accepted by the Foundation for use by the district, at the discretion of the Board of Education, for the district's general operations. However, another option recommended by the Foundation’s Board of Trustees would be to wait until the Board of Education has made its final decisions regarding funding cuts, which is anticipated to happen by late March or early April. The Foundation intends to collaborate with the Board of Education after the cuts are made and do something similar to a "Fund-A-Need" giving option for identified needs.
"We are aware that some education foundations have a similar program through which donors can choose a "need" they want to support," states Susan Esau, Executive Director of the Foundation. "This giving option could list programs or needs, with a 'price tag,' that the district is willing to reinstate if funding were available." A special fund could be established with the Foundation for each respective need that has been identified by the district, and once the need is fully funded, the Foundation would distribute the monies to the district.
For those wanting to make contributions to the Budget Assistance Fund, please make checks payable to the Lawrence Schools Foundation, 110 McDonald Drive, Lawrence, KS 66044. Contributions can also be made to the Budget Assistance Fund online at www.lawrenceschoolsfoundation.org.
The Lawrence Schools Foundation is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization that raises money to enrich the education of the students in the Lawrence Public Schools. The Foundation seeks to promote and enhance effective early childhood education, innovative teaching and learning opportunities, recognition of outstanding educators, and encouragement of student achievement.