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About the Foundation

We are a community-based, non-profit organization dedicated to improving our local public schools.

We work with, but are independent of, the Little Rock School District.

In communities across the country, local education foundations have been working to enhance and to improve educational opportunities for all children. Real and measurable improvements have been experienced in the local school districts of cities such as Chattanooga, Seattle, Lincoln, Charlotte, and Oklahoma City. The connections that public education foundations encourage between businesses, students, and families in their communities are creating excitement and opportunities for everyone.

The Public Education Foundation of Little Rock was established in May 2002 at the invitation of the Little Rock Public School District. Our board is composed of the community's business, civic, and educational leaders.

Our mission is to enrich and improve student achievement in public schools.

We believe

  • There is a vital connection between teaching excellence and student performance.
  • All children can achieve at high levels and should be held to high standards.
  • The economic viability of our community rests upon the quality of our schools.
  • We believe Little Rock Public Schools can provide a skilled and prepared workforce for our community.

We value education

Our goals are

  • To support and to improve student achievement
  • To expand community involvement from businesses and civic organizations
  • To support and improve teacher and principal quality
  • To inspire parents and community to participate with the school district in enriching and improving education
  • To provide leadership and guidance to the Little Rock School District
  • To build awareness and raise funds in support of the Foundation mission and goals
  • To create a culture of philanthropy for public education.

Board of Directors

Jan Hundley
President

Vicki Saviers
Vice President of Development

Secretary

Sue Tull
Treasurer

Patty Bates Abraham

Senator Jim Argue

Robert Bass

Gus Blass, III

Jay Chesshir

Kim Evans

Joe Hilliard

Walter Kimbrough, Ph.D.

Katherine Mitchell, Ed.D., LRSD School Board

Keith Nitta, Ed.D.

Marla Johnson Norris

Lynn Parker

Linda Remele, Ed.D.

Blake Rutherford

Wendy See

Ruth Shepherd

Nick Thompson

Linda Watson, Ed.D. , LRSD School Superintendent

Staff

Lisa Black
Executive Director

Linda K. Smith
Director of Communications

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