It takes money to teach, and Blaine County is lucky enough to have a little extra help.
The Education Foundation of the Blaine County School District presented its annual report Tuesday, Aug. 8, at a Blaine County School District meeting.
Serving as a catalyst for businesses, parents, private foundations and community members to bolster public education funding, the Education Foundation raised significant funds to support children in Blaine County.
During the 2005-2006 fiscal year, the foundation raised $157,000 through donor support, which falls short of $174,000 collected in the 2004-2005 fiscal year. The foundation announced that in the next two years it hopes to bolster annual fund-raising efforts to $200,000.
This year, the foundation's fund-raising accomplishments included raising more than $55,000 for affordable teacher housing. Funds were raised at a Hootie and the Blowfish concert held in conjunction with the Dalai Lama's visit last September. The restricted funds will be set aside for affordable housing needs of the school district.
Since its inception in 1992, the foundation has raised more than $2 million for the Blaine County School District. Monies have been distributed to all Blaine County schools to support programs such as dual immersion, music, art education and technology. Other programs include student scholarships, classroom grants and a spring art show.
The Blaine County School District board of trustees also confirmed the foundation's new members. The new members are Becky Benson, Patty Tobin and Millie Reidy.
