January 22, 2007
Foundation, LEAP Combine Forces to Benefit Schools
Contact: Susan Esau, Executive Director, 330-2790 or sesau@usd497

The organization that raises money to support district-wide programs like early childhood education, teacher grants and student scholarships in the Lawrence Public Schools is combining forces with the group that builds relationships among business, organizations, and schools to enhance student achievement. While the Lawrence Schools Foundation and Lawrence Education Achievement Partners will each retain its own identity, together they plan to grow resources and relationships to further benefit the public schools.

Media members are invited to a special “meet-and-greet” reception to be held at 5:30 p.m. on Monday, January 22, prior to the regular Lawrence Board of Education meeting during which community volunteers who are members of the Foundation Board of Trustees and the LEAP Board of Directors will have an opportunity to get acquainted with each other as well as with members of the school board. Foundation and LEAP Executive Director Susan Esau and Coordinator Andrea Moen will share information about the missions of both organizations and discuss how they plan to work together to further enhance the education of all students in the Lawrence Public Schools.

“We’ve combined staff to become more efficient and effective in getting the public involved in supporting our public schools, whether that involvement comes about through financial contributions, volunteerism, or donations of in-kind resources,” said Susan Esau, executive director of the Lawrence Schools Foundation and LEAP.

Examples of how the Foundation and LEAP support schools are numerous. The Lawrence Schools Foundation received a $50,000 gift from Lawrence resident William Dann to support its dedication in December of an early childhood classroom in memory of Prentice Gautt, a college and professional football standout with ties to Lawrence. Toward the goal that “all children will start school ready to learn,” the Foundation generates private donations to support programs at the East Heights Early Childhood Family Center. William Dann has contributed more than $400,000 to the Foundation since the early childhood educational readiness program began serving preschoolers in 1996.

On Thursday, Sunflower Broadband presented a $5,445 gift to the Foundation from its annual Sunflower for Schools campaign. Sunflower Broadband increased its donation each time one of its customers signed up for new cable television, telephone and Internet service during the month of November.
 
LEAP forms partnerships that match academic needs with the resources of local businesses and organizations. LEAP recognized the Altrusa Club, a New York Elementary School Achievement Partner, with a Shining Star Award this week. Altrusa donated 200 hard-backed books, valued at $3,000, to classrooms and the school library.

Increasing school volunteerism is one of LEAP’s goals. As examples, Achievement Partner Sauer-Danfoss sends employee volunteers to Kennedy Elementary School each week to mentor children performing below grade level in reading and math. CMP Media employees serve as pen pals, helping Broken Arrow Elementary second-graders improve their writing skills.

Inquiries about the Lawrence Schools Foundation and Lawrence Education Achievement Partners may be directed to Executive Director Susan Esau, 110 McDonald Drive, Lawrence, KS 66044.

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