We are an independent 501(c)3 non-profit organization
Our mission is to provide more teachers, classes, and experiences for all students in the Lake Oswego School District. Through the support of the community, the Foundation raises money so that we may have more teachers (and therefore more classes and experiences) to better the education for students in Lake Oswego schools. All funds raised are distributed to each school in the Lake Oswego School district for the benefit of each and every student.
We started way back in 1986
by a parent of two students enrolled in Lake Oswego schools who had a passion for education and our community. Joel Kuntz worked with parents, teachers, administrators and elected board members to create a foundation for our community to ensure greater learning opportunities for students. Nearly 40 years later the mission of the Foundation remains, and Joel continues to contribute.
How Measure 5 Changed the Landscape
In 1990, Oregon voters passed Measure 5, which limited property tax revenue and transferred the responsibility for funding schools from local governments to the state, resulting in funding cuts to districts like Lake Oswego. This change prompted the Foundation board to consider how its funds could better meet the District’s needs. To help guide the Foundation, in 1993, the District hired former Lake Oswego City Councilor Mary Puskas to serve as Foundation Director. Two years later, the Foundation board changed its mission: from then on, all funds were dedicated to hiring teachers.
Why do we need a foundation?
Between property taxes, volunteer hours, and school-based donations, it’s reasonable to wonder why our district needs a foundation. The answer might surprise many of you, and it’s that our district receives less money per student (~$850 less per student).
LOSD receives less state funding than other districts due to the structure of Oregon’s State School Fund formula, which is designed to provide support based on needs and local resources. Because Lake Oswego generates comparatively high local revenue, the state contribution is correspondingly lower. To learn more about K-12 education funding in Oregon review the brief from the Legislative Policy and Research Office.
