WWPS considers formation of a foundation
By Terry Murry on Tuesday, November 23rd, 2021 in Columbia Basin News More Top Stories
WALLA WALLA – Walla Walla Public Schools officials have been discussing the feasibility, logistics and benefits of forming a foundation to support students and programs. Superintendent Wade Smith said that last spring and over the summer, a small group met to discuss the possibility.
School foundations are nonprofit organizations like an athletic booster club, but instead focus on acquiring resources through grants and other donations that help provide enhanced programming or experiences not possible with current state and levy funding. These organizations partner and collaborate with the district, existing booster clubs, other programs, and related community groups and organizations.
“Establishing a Walla Walla Public Schools foundation provides the district another funding source to advance district initiatives,” Smith said. “Fundraising strategies would focus on grants currently not available to the school district.”
Smith said district leaders will conduct learning meetings with community groups, begin recruiting for potential WWPS foundation board members, identify a possible organizational structure, and align school foundation priorities with the strategic planning process. Finally, Smith said a report will go back to the school board in the spring.
