Mary Ann Unger, president of the Port Angeles Education Foundation, told the Port Angeles School District board that the foundation continues to fund scholarships, classroom grants and student‑need assistance.

Unger said the foundation awarded 56 scholarships last year totaling $336,750 to graduating seniors and disbursed an additional $99,000 to 15 continuing college students. "Since the year 2000, the Education Foundation has awarded more than $3,800,000 to 728 students," Unger said.

Why it matters: the foundation supplies cash for student needs and teacher initiatives the district cannot always fund, including micro‑grants and a teacher reimbursement program that reimburses classroom purchases. Those funds directly affect classroom materials and student supports.

Unger outlined four primary areas of the foundation's work: scholarships, school and teacher grants, teacher reimbursements and student needs. This school year the foundation awarded 40 school or teacher grants totaling $77,000. Beginning Feb. 1 the foundation will accept teacher reimbursement applications for classroom purchases funded by a donation from alumnus Doug Welker and his wife, Julietta; the foundation said it will reimburse teachers for documented receipts submitted during a February–March window.

On student needs, Unger said the foundation partners with district counselors and family navigators to underwrite assistance such as eye exams and glasses, counseling, clothing and graduation gowns. The foundation also noted a recent Haller grant that added funds for student needs and encouraged school principals to make staff aware of the availability.

Unger invited board members to the foundation's Celebrate Education dinner on March 14 at the Field Arts and Events Hall; proceeds support scholarship, grants and the teacher reimbursement program. She also thanked district staff members who attend foundation meetings and champion grants and student assistance.

Ending: The board and Unger agreed to continue liaison communication to ensure principals and staff know how to apply for reimbursements and grants. Unger promised to send finalized event materials to district communications for distribution.