What is Our History?
In 2004, recognizing the need to address growing financial pressures, the Los Alamos Public Schools (LAPS) Board of Education formed a “Financial Stability Task Force”. One of the recommendations of the task force was the creation of a charitable non-profit corporation, the Los Alamos Public Schools Foundation, whose purpose is to raise community and corporate funding in support of the Los Alamos Public Schools.
Filling the Need
Articles of Incorporation were filed with the New Mexico Public Regulations Commission and on November 28, 2005, the Los Alamos Public Schools Foundation was incorporated as a New Mexico Nonprofit corporation. Since then, the Foundation has consistently raised funds to support educational programs, promote professional development of teachers and other school staff, defray operating expenses and help fund school capital improvements. In November, 2016, the Los Alamos Public Schools Foundation celebrated its facilitation of $1 million in donations to LAPS.
The Los Alamos Public Schools provided significant monetary and in-kind support to advance the creation and development of the Foundation. In the initial years of the forming of the Foundation, the Los Alamos Public Schools provided: salary and benefits for a part-time employee; office space; a computer and office equipment; telephone service; meeting room space; supplies and postage; and travel expenses incurred by the coordinator to attend meetings and training.
Putting Together a Team
Upon incorporation, an initial Board of Directors comprised of the following individuals was formed:
Sharon Stover-President, former Los Alamos County Councilor, LAPS parent
Cheryl Pongratz-Vice-President, Kiwanis Club member, retired school administrator
Kenneth Johnson-Treasurer, LAPS Board of Education, President
Dr. James Anderson-Secretary, Superintendent, Los Alamos Public Schools
Christine Chandler-Director, Attorney for Los Alamos National Laboratory
Mary McLoed-Director, Curriculum Coordinator, Los Alamos Public Schools
The Los Alamos Public Schools Foundation hired its first employee in January of 2008.
