The Mercer Island Schools Foundation announced Tuesday that its eighth annual fundraising breakfast raised over $644,000, more than 34 percent above last year’s record results.
“In these tough times, it’s gratifying to see the Mercer Island community once again step up and continue to invest in our schools and teachers ensuring we can deliver outstanding education to all students in our district,” said Dr. Gary Plano, MISD schools superintendent. “This incredible outpouring of generosity will continue to help us mitigate the effects of the Olympia-based budget gaps while continuing to deliver on our far reaching 2020 Vision promise.”
A record 540 people attended the breakfast, which was held at Mercer Island High School Tuesday morning.
In his keynote speech, Plano said that in spite of the fact that the state has cut education funding over the past three years, and the district has cut over $3 million already and is looking at another $1.2 million in anticipated cuts for next year, the students on Mercer Island are continuing to thrive, to outperform their peers and demonstrate their passion for learning.
“Why?” Plano said. “Because we have you. A supportive community with amazing teachers led by talented principals, co-principals and associate principals and a wonderful support team.”
Plano also announced the district’s Teachers of the Year, each of whom will receive a $500 monetary award to be presented to them by their school principal at a dinner event late in May.
The elementary teacher of the year is Kerida Milllson, middle school is Julie Riccio, and the high school teacher of the year is Sally Bartow. The three will go on to the state competition where the winner will compete for the National Teacher of the Year.
The Mercer Island Schools Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to enhancing the quality of education provided to all students of the Mercer Island School District by obtaining contributions for the public schools.
For more information about the Mercer Island Schools Foundation or to make a donation, please visit www.mercerislandschoolsfoundation.com or call MISF at 206-275-2550.
