Community rallies as Lopez School receives $140,000 lifeline from Lopez Island Education Foundation
Published 1:30 am Thursday, September 18, 2025
Submitted by Lopez Island Education Foundation.
The Lopez Island Education Foundation is proud to announce that we have recently transferred a donation of $140,000 to support Lopez Island School for the 2025-2026 academic year.
This gift builds on the $55,000 we allocated last year to help close the district’s 2024-2025 budget deficit and over $15,000 to fund trips, teacher grants and enrichment intensives for Lopez School. These major contributions reflect our deep commitment to sustaining and enriching the educational experience for our island’s children during this financial crisis.
Lopez Island School is the heart of our community, serving fewer than 200 students. However, the district faces a budget shortfall of over $300,000 this year alone due to underfunded mandates, declining enrollment and legislative revenue restrictions. Without a thriving school, we risk losing young families, weakening local businesses and eroding the vibrant community we all cherish.
LIEF continues to carry out its mission by providing essential educational and enrichment support to the school. Last year, we funded 25 grant applications that directly enhanced student learning and experiences — from curriculum supplies, science equipment, outdoor education gear and native plant restoration projects, to funding participation in musical contests, archery tournaments and immersive week-long intensives like survival skills and nature art.
Your generosity translates into these opportunities that nurture creativity, leadership and hands-on learning.
But closing the $300,000 budget gap requires next-level community support – 10 times our typical annual fundraising goal. The funding challenges facing Lopez Island School will persist until the state Legislature fully funds educational mandates, but LIEF is actively working alongside partner organizations, including Lopez PACK, the Lopez Parent Teachers Student Association and InStep, to provide funding for the school’s various programs. The Lopez Parks & Recreation District, if it is approved by voters in November, could further help shore up the school’s finances.
We want to deeply thank every individual, family and business who has contributed so far — it’s because of you that we’ve raised over $140,000 toward our goal.
Yet, we still need our community’s continued support to safeguard the school’s future and secure the full budget necessary for our children’s educational success.
Your generosity is a direct investment in the health, vitality and future of Lopez Island’s youth, school and community. Every donation, volunteer hour and voice in support makes a profound difference. Join us in this critical community effort by donating today at www.lopezeducation.org. Together, we can ensure Lopez continues to offer a diverse, high-quality educational experience right here on the island — as we nurture the promising future of our children and community.
