Dr. Elizabeth Johnson, representing the Lake County Education Foundation, reported to the school board on March 24 that recent foundation events and partnerships produced fundraising and program activity to support students.

Johnson said the Knight of Stars celebration on March 4 recognized a rookie teacher of the year and the foundation’s volunteer and business partners of the year. The Scott Strong Clay Chute event sold out with 35 teams and generated a net revenue of $33,344, exceeding the foundation’s goal of $23,000; those funds will support the Scott Strong scholarship. The foundation announced Marion S. Schuck Scholarship Trust as the presenting sponsor for the April 25 “Ladies for Education” event and said its “Stepping Out for Education” fundraiser is scheduled for July.

Johnson updated the board on reading programs and student supports: several “New Worlds” reading programs were rescheduled, three are planned in April (Groveland Elementary on April 3; The Villages Elementary on April 8; Fruitland Park Elementary on April 29). The foundation’s staff is interviewing 48 applicants for the Take Stock in Children program and expects to name the 2025 cohort in April. She also reported 725 “Apple Mart” visits across the county, which she said equates to $112,420 in school supplies.

Johnson thanked community partners who donated to schools: three local businesses supported a redesign and provided $500 to the PBIS store at Carver Middle School; Morrison United Methodist Church donated about 50 new prom dresses (sizes 0–18) for students in need. Johnson said scholarship applications are under review and foundation staff will deliver employee‑giving presentations over the next three weeks.

Board members thanked Johnson for the update. No formal board action was taken on the foundation report.