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Community group Cardinals Rising raises six-figure support and secures robotics program for 2025-26
Summary
A parent-led group, Cardinals Rising, reported raising more than $260,000 and secured $30,000 to keep the district robotics team running next school year; the group asked the board to begin a phased communications plan ahead of any future operating-levy effort.
Cardinals Rising, a community fundraising group, told the Annandale Public School District board that it has raised $260,465 to date and secured $30,000 specifically to sustain the district robotics program for the 2025-26 school year.
In a presentation during the public-comment portion of the board’s meeting, Hannah Fisher, who identified herself as a member of Cardinals Rising, said the group “have fulfilled all 57 matches for the 8 76 match opportunity from our anonymous donors, raising just over $100,000.” She said the group’s overall fundraising work concludes May 1 and asked the board to begin a “thoughtful, phased communication plan” to build community support ahead of any future operating-levy vote.
The fundraising directly averted an immediate program cut: board members and staff confirmed that the $30,000 raised will allow the robotics program to operate next year. Board members thanked the group publicly during the meeting and noted media coverage had helped raise awareness about the community campaign.
Board members discussed the limits of grassroots funding as a long-term solution and said the district will continue planning for sustainable funding, including the possibility of returning to voters on an operating levy this fall. A board member said district leaders and Cardinals Rising have been working “behind the scenes” on a levy communication plan and that the board may need to decide whether to seek voter approval in November; no formal board decision or levy amount was stated at the meeting.
The discussion included recognition that while local donations can preserve programs in the short term, the district needs a longer-term revenue plan. Fisher said community volunteers have already been active at civic meetings and local events to build support and asked the board to engage the public early and consistently.
Board members also noted the robotics team is scheduled to appear at the district work session to demonstrate the program for the board.
Ending: The board did not vote on funding policy or levy timing at the meeting; Cardinals Rising’s fundraising campaign concludes May 1 and the district indicated further planning and public outreach will follow in coming weeks.
