The Orcas Island Community Foundation trustees have voted to grant the Orcas Island School District $10,000 to support the high quality education provided to our community youth. These funds are in addition to the over $100,000 that has been dedicated to the Education Initiative by generous community members. The monies will be released to the district once the final budget work has been completed and the board approves of the expenditures.

Hilary Canty, Executive Director of the OICF says, “The Community Foundation greatly appreciates the dedication of the School Board, staff, and the volunteers on the Budget Advisory Group, who continue to work diligently and openly to establish a working budget, placing the highest priority on quality education. While this is an arduous task, it is also critical. Having a clearer understanding of both expenditures and funding sources will allow for better long term decision making.

“The Education Initiative continues to grow thanks in large part to the remarkable leadership of the Orcas Island Education Foundation. The Community Foundation is very grateful to partner with them for this important initiative.”

Those interested in making a donation are asked to contact Michelle Reed of the Orcas Island Education Foundation, 376-8815, or Hilary Canty at the Community Foundation, 376-6423.