In 1985, a group of dedicated community members in Mercer
Island embarked on a remarkable journey. Their mission was clear: to enhance the quality of education in their local public schools. What began as a modest effort to provide textbooks and a few computers has since grown into an extraordinary movement that has raised over $27 million for the Mercer Island school district. This transformative initiative, known as the Mercer Island Schools Foundation has become a cornerstone of community giving, igniting a passion for learning, fostering innovation, and promoting academic excellence throughout the Mercer Island public schools.
Bridging the Gap
The Mercer Island Schools Foundation serves as a vital link between the resources provided by the state and the educational needs ofthe island's students. While state and public funds are invaluable, more funding is needed to adequately support the rigorous, challenging, and inclusive education every child deserves. The Foundation's contributions have evolved into a commitment of close to – and often over – a million dollars annually to the Mercer Island School District. These funds ensure smaller class sizes, rigorous academics, social, emotional, and academic support, and a wide range of enrichment experiences for kindergarten through high school students.
Empowering Students and Teachers
The core mission of the Mercer Island Schools Foundation is clear: to enhance student learning and equip students with the tools and self-confidence to achieve their dreams. In partnership with the Mercer Island School District, the Foundation identifies impactful ways to empower teachers, foster engaged learning, and support students. Thanks to the generosity of donors, the Foundation has showcased the potential of public education and its capacity to meet the diverse needs of students.
Teacher Enrichment Grants: Fueling Innovation
Every fall, the Mercer Island Schools Foundation awards teacher classroom grants to fund programs and resources that extend beyond the regular curriculum. Mercer Island teachers provide engaging learning opportunities outside the standard curriculum by adding innovative, imaginative, creative opportunities and experiences that would not otherwise be available. These grants include programs such as an elementary author collaboration with every student writing a chapter of a class novel culminating in a published book, sterling engines used in physics classes for hands-on investigation of alternative energy sources, field trips to the Museum of Flight, and Seattle Shakespeare Company workshops for high school Drama classes. These grants enable educators to explore unconventional teaching methods, introduce cutting-edge technology, and bring unique experiences into the lives of their students. The result is a learning environment beyond the textbooks, encouraging students to think critically, problem-solve, and explore their passions.
Community Commitment to Education
The success story of the Mercer Island Schools Foundation is a testament to the power of community giving. This Foundation was born out of a deep-seated commitment to education, and it continues to thrive because of the unwavering dedication of Mercer Island residents. By investing in their local schools, community members have demonstrated their belief in the potential of every student and the importance of providing world-class education.
The Mercer Island Schools Foundation is a shining example of what is achieved when a community supports education. Its impact extends far beyond monetary contributions; it fuels a culture of learning, innovation, and excellence that benefits every student on Mercer Island. As we celebrate the success of the Foundation, we are reminded of the profound difference that is made when a community believes in the transformative power of education.
Meghan Banta's Quote:
"Our MISF board continues to evolve to better represent our community. We are parents who walk unique paths with our own children as learners, from those of us with preschoolers to the dedicated board members who continue to work to create a better school district than the one they joined.
This year, we are reinvigorating traditions like the spring Breakfast of Champions and creating new ones like the All in for Kids Holiday Online Auction
in December. I benefitted firsthand from the board members who served before me, and as an MISD graduate, I am passionate about doing everything I can to utilize every resource available. Our MISF board is committed to meeting every need to support our students, teachers, and families in their educational journey, continuing a legacy of excellence for generations." - Megan Banta, MISF President
Lisa Kalscheur’s Quote:
"We have an essential set of funding priorities for this year, which will all foster a sense of belonging for our students emotionally and academically. I'm particularly excited about allocating K to 12th-grade curriculum dollars, which will support our students and teachers with the materials they need to succeed. I see my two children at West Mercer Elementary benefit daily from the i-Ready online reading and math assessment and instruction program the Foundation previously funded. I'm excited for our entire community to continue to benefit from our Foundation's work." - Lisa Kalscheur, MISF Vice President
"Our MISF board is committed to meeting every need to support our students, teachers, and families in their educational journey, continuing a legacy of excellence for generations." - Megan Banta, MISF President
"We have an essential set of funding priorities for this year, which will all foster a sense of belonging for our students emotionally and academically." - Lisa Kalscheur, MISF Vice President