Wednesday night (Dec. 5) at the Highline Public Schools Board Meeting, the Highline Schools Foundation announced that they have now provided over $10 million in support to Highline Public Schools. The announcement was made by Foundation President Travis Exstrom and Executive Director Anne Baunach. “The Foundation began as an all-volunteer group in 1999 wanting to make a difference for the students in Highline Public Schools,” Travis Exstrom said. “Since that time, we have expanded our work to help remove barriers that impede student success. Our goal is to help ensure that students have the resources they need to graduate prepared for the future that they choose.” Highline Schools Foundation supports many programs across Highline Public Schools. Some of these programs include:

  • Excel & Impact Grants: The Foundation awards grants to teachers and staff in Highline Public Schools to support innovation in the classroom. In 2018, they awarded over $122,065 in Excel and Impact grants.
  • Student Basic Needs: The Foundation provides resources for students in need including evening and weekend food; shoes; backpacks and school supplies; and clothing.
  • Graduate! Highline: The Foundation funds district programs that help students graduate including COLLEGECON, College Campus Visits, STEM Fest, and Career Pathways.
  • Scholarships: The Foundation awards scholarships to Highline Public School graduates that are attending 2-year and 4-year colleges and universities as well as trade schools. In 2018, they awarded nearly $210,000 in scholarships.
“We are thrilled to be a partner in the education of Highline Public School students,” Anne Baunach, Executive Director said. “We are excited that we have hit the $10 million mark in support, but this is only the beginning. As the needs of our students increase, we are committed to helping Highline Public Schools reach the bold goals in their strategic plan by raising and providing funds for critical programs.” Highline Schools Foundation will celebrate this milestone at several events throughout their 20th anniversary year including the Gold Star Fundraising Breakfast on April 19, 2019.
The Highline Schools Foundation supports the work of Highline Public Schools which serves the communities of Burien, Des Moines, Normandy Park, Beverly Park, SeaTac, and White Center. They are the only non-profit organization which supports all schools in Highline Public Schools. The mission of the organization is to unite community support for innovative and equitable learning across Highline Public Schools. The Foundation is funded solely by private contributions and operates separately from Highline Public Schools. More information can be found on their website at: www.highlineschoolsfoundation.org.
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