Our history and mission.

Lafayette Partners in Education (formerly Lafayette Arts and Science Foundation) is a community-driven fundraising organization that supplements state funding for programs that inspire learning, enrich teaching, and promote innovation and academic excellence in Lafayette's public schools.

Since LPIE was founded, it has provided a way for parents, caregivers, and our community to invest in superior public education for our students in the Lafayette School District and Acalanes High School. Initially, LPIE enriched existing programs in science, art, and music. This need, which began with just a few thousand dollars, has grown into a multi-million-dollar commitment that maintains small class sizes, rigorous academics, and a breadth of educational experiences from transitional kindergarten through high school.

LPIE funds teachers and other educators whose positions the state of California does not fund or require but are considered necessary for a quality education by parents, caregivers, and educators.

LPIE is a California non-profit, public benefit corporation. It is a tax-exempt organization under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. The federal tax ID number for the foundation (EIN) is 94-2699518. All donations are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law.

How we use funds for our schools.

Our Charity Navigator score is 97%. And, we’re rated Gold with Candid Goldstar.

83% Teachers + Instructors

16% Supplies

1% Programming + Experiences

We close the gap in funding to ensure our students can thrive.

Why we exist

Before Proposition 13, California schools were well funded by local property taxes. However, after the passage of Proposition 13 in 1978, school budgets were significantly reduced, with cuts amounting to approximately 60%. In response, Lafayette Partners in Education (LPIE) was established in 1980 to ensure that every student receives a robust and well-rounded education.

Today, California ranks 33rd in the nation for per-student funding, necessitating that a significant portion of school budgets be supplemented through local funding. LPIE plays a crucial role in bridging this funding gap, providing essential support to Lafayette's public schools.

Meet us.

2024-2025 BOARD AND STAFF

Interested in getting involved? Whether serving on the board, helping on a committee, volunteering as an LPIE classroom rep, or filling a volunteer slot at an LPIE-sponsored event, there are always opportunities to get involved. Please contact the LPIE office at office@lpie.org

LPIE BOARD MEETING CALENDAR (please join us)

Tuesday, 08/20/24, 9:00 AM @AUHSD Board Room
Tuesday, 10/22/24, 7:00 PM @Stanley Library
Tuesday, 12/03/24, 7:00 PM @Stanley Library
Tuesday, 01/28/25, 7:00 PM via Zoom
Tuesday, 03/11/25, 7:00 PM @Stanley Library
Tuesday, 05/13/25, 9:00 AM @AUHSD Board Room

LEADERSHIP TEAM

  • Sam Carter

    PRESIDENT

  • Piper LaGrelius

    VICE PRESIDENT

  • Jaia Kaufman

    PAST PRESIDENT

  • Paul Chopra

    TREASURER

  • Rachel Schmidt

    SECRETARY

FUNDRAISING, EVENTS, COMMUNICATION CHAIRS

  • Scott Jeffery

    FUNDRAISING CO-CHAIR: ANNUAL GIVING CAMPAIGN

  • Monette Hagopian

    FUNDRAISING CO-CHAIR: ANNUAL GIVING CAMPAIGN

  • Dan Grover

    FUNDRAISING CO-CHAIR: MAJOR DONORS

  • Dave Lewis

    FUNDRAISING CO-CHAIR: MAJOR DONORS

  • Tara Smith Kacher

    FUNDRAISING CO-CHAIR: BUSINESS PARTNERS

  • Erin Kramer

    FUNDRAISING CO-CHAIR: BUSINESS PARTNERS

  • Jesse Abhyankar

    EVENTS CHAIR

  • Siena Naaman

    ARTS & HUMANITIES CO-CHAIR

  • Ivana Pignatelli

    ARTS & HUMANITIES CO-CHAIR

  • Ayesha Wahedi

    MUSIC & PERFORMING ARTS CO-CHAIR

  • Anita Embleton

    MUSIC & PERFORMING ARTS CO-CHAIR

  • Dinesh Gomes

    STEM CHAIR

  • Wendy Reicher

    AUHSD REPRESENTATIVE

  • Suzy Pak

    LAFSD REPRESENTATIVE

  • Scott Jaunrubenis

    NEW FAMILIES CO-CHAIR

  • Sandra Kang Chandler

    NEW FAMILIES CO-CHAIR

  • Darci Chan

    ALUMNI CHAIR

  • Tom Mulvaney

    ENDOWMENT CHAIR

SCHOOL CHAIRS

  • Michele Sahar

    BURTON VALLEY SCHOOL CO-CHAIR

  • Carrie Jorgenson

    Carrie Jorgenson

    BURTON VALLEY SCHOOL CO-CHAIR

  • Hedieh Randolph

    HAPPY VALLEY SCHOOL CO-CHAIR

  • Meredith Mandell

    HAPPY VALLEY SCHOOL CO-CHAIR

  • Heather Kellert

    LAFAYETTE ELEMENTARY CO-CHAIR

  • Kirti Chitnis

    LAFAYETTE ELEMENTARY CO-CHAIR

  • Anne Wu

    SPRINGHILL CO-CHAIR

  • Noel Briceño

    SPRINGHILL CO-CHAIR

  • Jaime Polson

    STANLEY CO-CHAIR

  • Moneeka Shah

    STANLEY CO-CHAIR

  • Jocelyn Werner

    ACALANES CO-CHAIR

  • Lori MacLeod

    ACALANES CO-CHAIR

MEMBERS AT LARGE

  • Archith Mahadevan

    MEMBER AT LARGE

  • Bill Hall

    MEMBER AT LARGE

  • Jon Deane

    MEMBER AT LARGE

  • Rachael Pringle

    MEMBER AT LARGE

  • Teny Shapiro

    MEMBER AT LARGE

GUESTS

  • John Nickerson

    AUHSD SUPERINTENDENT

  • Eric Shawn

    AHS PRINCIPAL

  • Brent Stephens

    LafSD SUPERINTENDENT

ADVISORY COMMITTEE

  • Emily Lewis

    COMMUNICATIONS: GALA

  • Jennifer Lucas

    COMMUNICATIONS: DIGITAL & SOCIAL MEDIA

  • Laura Wehrley

    COMMUNICATIONS: SCHOOL SITE TEAMS

  • Kelly Fleming

    COMMUNICATIONS: AGC & MD

  • Samara Bishop

    COMMUNICATIONS: NEW FAMILIES

  • Jen Palmer

    PROJECT LPIE @ STANLEY

  • Kate Scharf

    READ-A-THON

LPIE STAFF

  • Danielle Gallagher

    EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

  • Gabrielle Ohleyer

    FUNDRAISING ADMINISTRATOR

  • Colleen Byrd

    EVENTS & COMMUNICATIONS COORDINATOR