The Academic Foundation

Mission

• To acquire and distribute resources to the Laurel Highlands School District for the programs and projects aimed at enhancing, enriching, or supplementing learning opportunities for students, staff, and community.

About The Foundation

• The Laurel Highlands Academic Foundation founded spring 1996, is a non-profit organization formed by friends of the Laurel Highlands School District.
• The goals of the volunteer Board of Trustees, are but not limited to provide resources for additional enrichment activities, resources for unique student learning needs, and extend the opportunities for quality education for students of the district by fund raising, charitable individual and corporate contributions and student scholarships.

Financial Information

• The Foundation is a not-for-profit organization exempt from federal income tax under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.
• The Foundation was formed to acquire and distribute resources for the benefit of students in the Laurel Highlands School District for programs and projects aimed at enhancing, enriching, and supplementing learning opportunities.
• Since its inception, the Foundation has raised over $180,000 through donor contributions and fund raising activities. As of June 30, 2004, the Foundation has unrestricted assets of approximately $60,000, and assets permanently restricted for scholarships in excess of $32,000.

Programs Funded By The Foundation

• Outreach Programs such as Touchstone Center for the Arts and Crafts
• Artist/Author in Residence Program for the elementary grades
• Annual Community Spirit Day
• SAT workshops for high school students to improve scores
• The development of a lending Kindergarten Library in all elementary schools
• Shakespeare In Schools Program
• Opera In Schools Program
• Family Reading Night
• Mini-Grant Programs for teachers to develop new innovative projects and programs
• The Foundation wishes to help motivate students in the Science areas by providing equipment and materials in the elementary schools, such as five anatomical teaching torsos and a Flexcom Micro Video Camera, microscope and equipment for the high school, such as an Analytical Balance Nuclear Science Lab and Visual Spectrum

How the Foundation Works

• A volunteer Board of Trustees who, is dedicated to serving the goal of educational excellence, governs the Foundation.
• The Trustees operate independently from the Laurel Highlands School District Board of Education.
• They are responsible for determining guidelines for project funding, selecting targeted projects and raising and dispersing funds.

Community Participation

• Many opportunities exist for the community to become actively involved with the Academic Foundation. We welcome workers to help with our various programs and projects.
• To become involved, visit our Central Administration Building. Your time and ideas are welcome.

Academic Foundation Board of Trustees 2010-2011

• Fred Bonchosky
• Gary Carter
• Jim Conway
• James Custer
• Inez Felix
• Becky Franklin
• Judy Gallis
• Rob Hartsek
• Jim Mari
• Randy Mundel
• Toni Regula
• Linda Rooker
• Lori Sikora
• William Simpson
• Vicki Smalley
• Vince Soom

Board Representative

• James Tobal

District Representatives

• Dr. Gary M. Brain, Superintendent
• Mr. Randy Miller, Director of Curriculum

Recording Secretary

• Kim Pegg

Student Representatives 2010-2011

• April Tucker and David Lee