Thursday, March 28, 2024

Cascade Education Foundation Continues Its Critical Work Helping Students

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For 25 years, Cascade Education Foundation (CEF) has helped the youth of this community by financially aiding the school district and helping teachers provide opportunities for student growth.

Karen Turner, a current CEF board member and retired middle school math teacher, recalled the critical time when CEF became established. “In 1996, Cascade Education Foundation was born out of sheer desperation. We suffered a painful double levy failure, and I clearly remember our principal calling an emergency staff meeting,” she said. “We were told that all extracurriculars were to be cancelled immediately. Think of sports, band, art, anything not within budgeted dollars, gone.”

Fundraising took on all forms including community barbeques and car washes, whatever means could scrape money together for teachers. Luckily, levies have passed more recently, so extracurriculars are no longer in jeopardy. CEF’s strategies evolved over the years and, since 2014, relies primarily on “One Big Event,” which has been a huge success with support from sponsors, auction donors and attendees.

CEF has also sought and received funds from other revenue sources. One recent example was a $5000 EPIC Promise grant from Steven’s Pass and Vail Resorts.

Passionate teachers can apply to CEF to receive funds for new projects. In the last six years alone, over a quarter million dollars in grants have been awarded. Awards have funded a diversity of needs, including painting supplies, graphic novels, musical recorders, cross country skis, science field trips, university visits, special education equipment, AVID resources, drama equipment and attendance incentive programs.

“My favorite part of being on the board was delivering the grant checks to teachers,” said Jen Gillespie, who served on the CEF board from 2012 to 2020. “They were always so excited and appreciative. Our teachers have put their grant funds to great use over the years.”

When teachers can fund innovative ideas, students win too. “CEF’s grant/support process provides an opportunity for a teacher or a small group of teachers to ask for support to try something new that will have direct impact on students and perhaps spark their interest in an area they might not otherwise be exposed to,” said Dwight Remick, CSD business manager and district representative on CEF since 2016.

The pandemic last year required CEF to pivot, sending an appeal letter to every resident of the school district. Turner remarked that it was a success; residents understood that students’ needs were not diminished during the pandemic, and in some ways, they were increased.

“We are so grateful to all the merchants and community members for their support,” said Turner. “There’s so much that the budget can’t cover.”

CEF is bringing back “One Big Event” now that the COVID-19 vaccine makes it safe to do so. This time it will be on Saint Patrick’s Day, March 17, 2022. Attendees can expect some emerald green adornments and CEF and the school district will hope for good fortune.

CEF is looking for more board members. With seven current board members, they accomplish much with a small corps. Turner said the commitment is not onerous. The board meets once a month. They would particularly appreciate help from someone who can serve as the social media manager. More information about CEF, the board and their work, is at: www.cascadeedfoundation.org

Turner joined CEF recently because, as she said, “Public education is the bedrock of a strong and healthy community.”

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