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Our Mission

Ensuring more teachers, classes and experiences for all Lake Oswego students. With your help we can make a difference. Learn more and get involved.


Our Mission: We fund teaching positions.

All Gifts Help Support Our Schools!

Your contributions go a long way. Foundation support is a big reason why Lake Oswego schools have consistently ranked number one in the state, and among the top in the nation. With your gifts the Foundation provides to each and every student in the Lake Oswego School District:

  • More teachers and educational experience than what state and local taxes can provide
  • Teachers for music, reading, art, science and technology
  • Music instruction for every elementary student K-5
  • Additional reading support for students with greater needs in K-2
  • Greater exposure in in grades 6-12 to electives such as Robotics, Architecture, Oceanography, Performing Arts, to name just a few!

We need your support to continue to provide our kids the incredible education Lake Oswego offers. Please consider a gift or pledge your support today. Thank you!


Campaign Results: Lake Oswego Review

Learn more about the Foundations 2024-25 results and how its making a real impact.

Lake Oswego Schools Foundation raises nearly $1.5 million for teaching positions

 

 

 

 

 

 


Annual Campaign Results (2024-25)

Thank you to everyone who contributed to the 2024–25 annual campaign (ended June 30). We’re so grateful for the generosity of this incredible community. Campaign highlights:

          *$1.47M Raised 

          *+87% Business Sponsorships

         *+140% Endowment Contributions

Keep an eye out for the Foundation’s 2024–25 Annual Report, coming this December.

 

 


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.

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Our Impact This Year

  • People Helped

    6,815

  • Volunteer Hours

    750

  • Dollars Raised

    $1,500,000

August Is National Water Quality Month

It covers 70% of the Earth, makes up about 60% of the human body and is the foundation of life for almost all living things. What is it? You guessed it: water. Water is vital to our existence and to our wellbeing, but in recent decades pollution and other harmful practices have consistently damaged the water we live by, drink and cook with.

Needless to say, clean water is important. During a month when everyone is out enjoying lakes, rivers, oceans and ice-makers are working overtime, it becomes even more apparent how important quality water is. This August, we celebrate National Water Quality Month. How can you have an impact on water quality? We’ve got some ideas for the role you play in making a difference.

 

Avoid flushing medications.

Avoid flushing any old or unused medications down your toilet at home or down the sink. Pipes can lead back into a general water source which then gets contaminated with your medication.

 

Don’t hose off the driveway.

Always sweep your driveway to keep it clean, rather than hosing it off. When chemicals and auto fluids run down your driveway into the storm drain they flow directly into lakes and streams.

 

Pick up after your pooch.

When it rains, that water picks up poop particles from your pooch and can then go into different water systems. Nobody wants that.

 

Watch out for litter.

We all know to avoid littering, but go a step further and keep an eye out for any litter wherever you go. Whenever possible, pick it up and put it in the proper disposable bin.

 

Stop overusing chemicals.

Pesticides and fertilizers can have a proper use, but avoid overusing them whenever possible. The chemicals can travel through runoff water and soil, thus contaminating ground water.

 

Join a cleanup project.

If you want to go a step beyond preventative care, be proactive by joining a local or national clean up project that works on our beaches, streams or wetlands. Many governmental or nonprofit organizations often have events or projects that focus on enhancing the quality of local water sources. See how you can get involved and give back to make sure that your and everyone’s water is clean.

 

Reach out to elected officials.

While the issue of water quality is one we can have a direct impact on, it is also a nationwide issue that our elected officials should be concerned with. Write a letter or call your local or state officials to let them know the importance of quality water, and the impact data centers and other factories can have on our water supply.

 

Educate yourself.

Finally, take some time this month to educate yourself on what’s actually in your water, the quality of your water and how it can further be improved. Knowledge is power, and the more knowledgeable you are, the more you can make a difference.

Water sustains life. Therefore, it’s vitally important to all of us. This August, celebrate National Water Quality Month by being aware of your water habits and taking steps to ensure clean water for everyone. When we have clean water, we can lead satisfying lives.

Teacher reading to students
  • Maxine Walkenhorst, Lake Oswego
    Maxine Walkenhorst, Lake Oswego

    I am proud to be part of making our schools great for kids through the Lake Oswego Schools Foundation.

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