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.
Our financials.
2024 - 2025 BUDGET
ANNUAL REPORTS
FINANCIAL REPORTS
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
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Sam Carter
PRESIDENT
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Piper LaGrelius
VICE PRESIDENT
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Jaia Kaufman
PAST PRESIDENT
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Paul Chopra
TREASURER
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Rachel Schmidt
SECRETARY
FUNDRAISING, EVENTS, COMMUNICATION CHAIRS
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Scott Jeffery
FUNDRAISING CO-CHAIR: ANNUAL GIVING CAMPAIGN
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Monette Hagopian
FUNDRAISING CO-CHAIR: ANNUAL GIVING CAMPAIGN
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Dan Grover
FUNDRAISING CO-CHAIR: MAJOR DONORS
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Dave Lewis
FUNDRAISING CO-CHAIR: MAJOR DONORS
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Tara Smith Kacher
FUNDRAISING CO-CHAIR: BUSINESS PARTNERS
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Erin Kramer
FUNDRAISING CO-CHAIR: BUSINESS PARTNERS
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Jesse Abhyankar
EVENTS CHAIR
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Siena Naaman
ARTS & HUMANITIES CO-CHAIR
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Ivana Pignatelli
ARTS & HUMANITIES CO-CHAIR
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Ayesha Wahedi
MUSIC & PERFORMING ARTS CO-CHAIR
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Anita Embleton
MUSIC & PERFORMING ARTS CO-CHAIR
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Dinesh Gomes
STEM CHAIR
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Wendy Reicher
AUHSD REPRESENTATIVE
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Suzy Pak
LAFSD REPRESENTATIVE
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Scott Jaunrubenis
NEW FAMILIES CO-CHAIR
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Sandra Kang Chandler
NEW FAMILIES CO-CHAIR
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Darci Chan
ALUMNI CHAIR
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Tom Mulvaney
ENDOWMENT CHAIR
SCHOOL CHAIRS
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Michele Sahar
BURTON VALLEY SCHOOL CO-CHAIR
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Carrie Jorgenson
BURTON VALLEY SCHOOL CO-CHAIR
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Hedieh Randolph
HAPPY VALLEY SCHOOL CO-CHAIR
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Meredith Mandell
HAPPY VALLEY SCHOOL CO-CHAIR
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Heather Kellert
LAFAYETTE ELEMENTARY CO-CHAIR
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Kirti Chitnis
LAFAYETTE ELEMENTARY CO-CHAIR
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Anne Wu
SPRINGHILL CO-CHAIR
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Noel Briceño
SPRINGHILL CO-CHAIR
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Jaime Polson
STANLEY CO-CHAIR
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Moneeka Shah
STANLEY CO-CHAIR
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Jocelyn Werner
ACALANES CO-CHAIR
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Lori MacLeod
ACALANES CO-CHAIR
MEMBERS AT LARGE
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Archith Mahadevan
MEMBER AT LARGE
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Bill Hall
MEMBER AT LARGE
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Jon Deane
MEMBER AT LARGE
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Rachael Pringle
MEMBER AT LARGE
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Teny Shapiro
MEMBER AT LARGE
GUESTS
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John Nickerson
AUHSD SUPERINTENDENT
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Eric Shawn
AHS PRINCIPAL
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Brent Stephens
LafSD SUPERINTENDENT
ADVISORY COMMITTEE
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Emily Lewis
COMMUNICATIONS: GALA
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Jennifer Lucas
COMMUNICATIONS: DIGITAL & SOCIAL MEDIA
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Laura Wehrley
COMMUNICATIONS: SCHOOL SITE TEAMS
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Kelly Fleming
COMMUNICATIONS: AGC & MD
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Samara Bishop
COMMUNICATIONS: NEW FAMILIES
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Jen Palmer
PROJECT LPIE @ STANLEY
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Kate Scharf
READ-A-THON
LPIE STAFF
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Danielle Gallagher
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
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Gabrielle Ohleyer
FUNDRAISING ADMINISTRATOR
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Colleen Byrd
EVENTS & COMMUNICATIONS COORDINATOR