Northwestern Lehigh Educational Foundation presents $168,000 to district

The Northwestern Lehigh Educational Foundation presented a $168,000 check to the Northwestern Lehigh School District during the board’s June 18 meeting, foundation leaders said.

The foundation’s president, Valerie Kyle, said the $168,000 gift supports programs including artist-in-residence work, teacher grants, student basic-needs support and technology purchases. “We are thrilled to join you today to celebrate the shared commitment to student success and innovation in education,” Kyle said.

Kyle, joined by Erin Vermeulen, vice president, and Amy Kinnan, board director, said the check increases the foundation’s cumulative funding for the district. During the presentation presenters gave two slightly different cumulative figures: one reference to $2,323,000 and additional remarks referencing about $2,400,000. The discrepancy appears in the meeting record; the foundation’s spoken figure of $168,000 for the year was consistent.

The presenters described recent fundraising highlights: a “Tiger Run and Fun Walk” held the first weekend in June with 147 participants and more than $26,000 raised; an annual business partnership program that raised more than $65,000; and Education Improvement Tax Credit (EITC) donations, which the presenters said brought total fundraising for the year to more than $190,000 when combined with business support. They also promoted upcoming events, including a golf tournament on Friday, Aug. 8, at Old Homestead.

Board members thanked the foundation and noted the organization’s local-business and family support. No board action was required for the presentation.

The foundation’s grant and fundraising dollars are used, presenters said, to fund teacher-applied classroom grants, technology such as Chromebooks and smart boards, and other programs not covered in the district operating budget.