After 25 years of serving the Douglas County School System, the Public Education Trust (PET) is changing its name to the Douglas County Education Foundation. The name is changing, but the foundation will continue to do outstanding work on behalf of the school system.
“The Foundation Board and Superintendent Trent North agree that Douglas County Education Foundation more clearly identifies who we are and who we serve,” explained DCEF Board Chair Jerry Hall. “Public Education Trust is very broad. Our organization is community-focused, serving the Douglas County School System, and we want the name to reflect that.”
During the past 25 years, the foundation has awarded over $420,000 to DCSS students and teachers, primarily through scholarships for graduating seniors and Classroom Impact Grants for teachers.
The foundation also supports the Douglas County Teachers of the Year and Emma Legare Jordan Counselors of the Year programs and funds occasional special or one-time programs and projects separate from Classroom Impact Grants.
This past school year, the foundation awarded $66,000 to the school system, including $30,000 in scholarships and $28,500 in Classroom Impact Grants. “We expect to award considerably more this school year,” said Hall.
The foundation is funded primarily by local businesses and individuals, including school system staff. The organization also hosts an annual Fun Run. Last year’s sixth annual run cleared just under $15,000 through community sponsorships and nearly 400 elementary and middle school age runners.
The foundation is taking on another community-oriented fundraiser, Kaleidoscope, a musical featuring vocal talent from the five high schools.
“Kaleidoscope will be the first event sponsored under our new name. Through this event, we want to bring the community together, showcase amazing local student talent, and raise money for DCEF and the music programs at all five high schools,” said Hall. “
Kaleidoscope debuts May 18th at 7:00 p.m. at Douglas County High School’s Mashburn Theater. For ticket and sponsorship information, please email Lynn Murray.
