The Vashon Schools Foundation (VSF) has awarded $152,000 this year to the Vashon Island School District (VISD).

VSF, a volunteer organization, raises money from the community to pay for K-12 student services and educational programs that are not automatically covered by the state funding model. The VSF board works with the school district every year to evaluate the impact, equity, and reach of school programs and select which ones to support financially.

As a result, VSF “has consistently played a pivotal role in fortifying the district against financial constraints that exist each year due to how the state of Washington funds its public schools,” according to the district.

The school district shared several quotes from board members in announcing the donation, which was presented to the school board.

“We live in such a generous community and without this level of support, we wouldn’t be able to provide these unique experiences for our kids,” said Jordan Karr, VSF board member. “Every year, we are amazed at what we are able to achieve.”

“Over the last six years, this group of committed and caring community leaders comes through every year with funding critical to the success of our kids and families,” Superintendent Slade McSheehy said.

Funds from VSF reach nearly every student in the district, including educational opportunities created by Vashon Artists in Schools and the Vashon Nature Center, as well as social-emotional support through partnerships with Vashon Youth and Family Services, the DOVE Project, and Journeymen.

Starting in the 2022-2023 school year, VSF stepped in to fully fund those programs. (Previously, VISD had contributed nearly one-third of the cost for these programs.) VSF again committed to fully funding these programs in 2024-2025, which include Sisterhood, Journeymen, Vashon Artists in Schools, Sources of Strength, Vashon Wilderness Program, Vashon Nature Center, and a counseling program conducted in partnership with Vashon Youth & Family Services.

The $152,000 amount represents a 1.3 percent increase from 2022. Donations to VSF come from all ends of the island, including community members, school families, and businesses or employer matches.

“Every dollar donated to the Schools Foundation makes a difference to our students and their schools,” said Kennedy Leavens, VSF board member and parent. “I am so grateful to this community for investing in our public schools. Together we can give all island kids an amazing education.”

For more information about VSF and the programs it supports, visit vashonschoolsfoundation.org. Those interested in joining the VSF board can reach out to vashonpublicschoolsfoundation@gmail.com.