Lopez community rallies to save school sports for next academic year
Published 1:30 am Tuesday, May 26, 2026
By Christine Gallagher
LIEF, Co-Chair
In what is a true testament to the community spirit of Lopez Island residents, the Lopez Island Education Foundation announced today that it has successfully raised the $180,000 necessary to fund the school’s sports program for the 2026-27 academic year.
LIEF launched its “Eyes on Goal” campaign immediately after the Lopez Parks and Rec levy did not meet the 60% threshold needed to pass. In a remarkable show of community support, local businesses and individual donors answered the call to save Lopez sports for the 2026–2027 academic year. A major boost came from an anonymous donor whose $90,000 pledge inspired a dollar-for-dollar community match.
Through private pledges, business support and community generosity, the funds needed to secure the school sports program have now been pledged well ahead of the May 27 Lopez Island School Board meeting. The May 27 meeting is the last chance for the school board to pass a resolution affirming their participation with the Washington Interscholastic Activities Association, the organization that oversees and coordinates athletic activities among schools throughout Washington state.
“At this moment my heart is so full of thanks and gratitude for our amazing community, but I also want to encourage all Lopezians to think about the path forward. This gift is a short term band-aid,” said Lexi Taylor, LIEF co-chair. “A sustainable funding solution is still urgently needed.”
LIEF recently expanded its bylaws to include extracurricular activities, allowing the organization to support this one-time effort. Like many small rural school districts across Washington, Lopez Island School District continues to face significant financial challenges as state funding does not fully cover the needs of small schools. The LISD School Board is currently working on the 2026-2027 budget, and that will be the focus of their upcoming board meetings.
Those who still wish to support Lopez Island School athletics for 2026–2027 may do so through May 26 by visiting www.lopezeducation.org/donate and selecting “Athletics 2026–27” in the donation form. Additional donations continue to make a difference and are welcome. LIEF is deeply grateful to the many community members, businesses and families who stepped forward to support Lopez kids and school athletics during this one-year effort.
Go, Lobos!
