Panhandle Alliance for Education Inc.

“Geraldine lewis matt mire president treasurer family related”

“A draft copy of the tax return is presented to the executive committee for approval.”

“Conflict of interest disclosure forms are used annually.”

“Governing documents, policies, financial and tax reports are available to the public upon request.”

“As an independent organization, we will create and sustain an endowment to provide resources in support of effective teaching, learning and school management. We have an exceptional relationship with our school district, credibility with teachers, and strong momentum with our business community.”

“The annual teacher grants are awarded district-wide to teachers and principals who seek support for education programs not otherwise funded. Grants are awarded based on innovation, creativity, collaboration and impact of student learning. Since 2003, approximately 750 grants have been awarded, totaling a direct investment in our classrooms of more than 1.8 million. Nationwide, 44% of children entering kindergarten test below proficiency for learning readiness, and data verifies that children who start behind, stay behind. The ready program provides parents of children up to 5 years old with instruction, books and educational toys to help their children achieve success at the very start. As an independent organization, panhandle alliance for education funds an endowment with assets held and administered by a community foundation to provide perpetual funding in support of the lake pend oreille school district. With 17 years of promoting excellence in public schools, panhandle alliance for education is proud to have delivered over 3.7 million in grants and educational programs to the lake pend oreille school district.”

“Stem and steam curriculum was funded and community education and awareness was created.”

“District-wide strategic programs are opportunities for lake pend oreille school district and the panhandle alliance for education to work together to meet a need (or needs) of the school district. Recommendations of current requests are presented by lposd superintendent and lposd curriculum director for review by the pafe executive committee. The requests must meet certain criteria to qualify as a district-wide strategic program. These initiatives must be consistent with the school district's strategic plan; must be consistent with the panhandle alliance for education's mission statement; and must have clear target performance goals with clear means to evaluate progress toward goals. It is preferred for the initiatives to be innovative and research-based; to have a positive, systemic effect over time for teachers, students and administrators; should improve student performance and achievement; should create a partnership, either in-kind or financial between lposd and pafe; and should not replace an existing taxpayer supported program. These initiatives will be reviewed at the stated end of the program, in conjunction with school personnel, to determine if pafe funding will continue. An example of a district-wide strategic program is the stem and steam curriculum which was funded during the current year. The panhandle alliance for education provided 184,000 for new curriculum in the areas of science, technology, engineering and math or 'stem" (when art is added to that program it is referred to as "steam"). Stem is an approach to the world, a critical way to understand and explore and engage with the world and then have the capacity to change that world. Elementary science curriculum was last purchased in our school district in 2006. Secondary curriculum dates back to 2001. This funding provides science kits for certified staff and two district instructional coaches to support professional development stem implementation and on-going teacher support. The focus on stem is in part due to the projected percentage increase in stem employment of up to 60% and pafe's desire to encourage students to engage early and develop success in this area.”

“Community education and awareness. The panhandle alliance for education created this program to help inform our local residents about important information regarding education in our community. The program includes both subscription services to a quarterly newsletter, facebook postings and a website blog. In addition, pafe communications are directed to the business community who have a vested interest in knowledge about the lake pend oreille school district, the opportunities that are made available to graduating seniors, and an understanding of the district's performance compared to state and national statistics. The program includes informing the public about school funding and the use of pafe's fundraising assets to support effective teaching, learning, and school management. Panhandle alliance for education also provided funding in the amount of 137,000 for endowments held by the idaho community foundation and the innovia foundation for perpetual funding of the operating grants for the lake pend oreille school district.”

“Change in endowment funds -60,761”