THANK YOU LUMMI ISLAND!
July 2025: We are ecstatic to announce that we have surpassed the fundraising goal to fund the 2nd teacher position at Beach Elementary for the coming school year! Accomplishing this goal gives our teachers and staff an appropriate amount of time to plan for future budget crises. It also gives us (LIFE, PTO and the Beach School Community) a year to work on promoting the school and trying to boost enrollment. We raised a bit more than our goal, which is fortunate because since launching this campaign we have learned of further cuts the district has to make, including:
School Supplies: The distinct can no longer provide school supplies to meet student/classroom needs. Families will be asked to provide supplies, with foundations like LIFE providing supplemental funding for some families.
Student Meals: The four-year federal grant that has been funding students meals has run out and may not be renewed. If it is not renewed, similar to supplies, families will be charged for student meals and organizations like LIFE will supplement.
Professional Development: All signs point to a reduction in Title funding, which would mean a reduced budget for professional development for teachers and staff. Essential training will be provided for topics such as safety and required certifications, but anything optional or considered enrichment will either require supplemental funding or not occur this year.
There are other cuts for travel, curriculum, purchases and some other areas as well. LIFE has historically provided supplemental funding for Beach School and will likely face a greater need in the years moving forward. We remain committed to supporting our students, teachers, and staff at Beach Elementary, as well as continuing to fund after school and summer programs. Again, we are in awe of the outpouring of support from this community and we will keep you updated on ways you can help us advocate for our school.
Any funds raised above and beyond our goal will be used to replenish LIFE and PTO's reserves and to be able to respond to an expected increased need in supplemental funding due to ongoing budget cuts.
Our Mission
Lummi Island Foundation for Education (LIFE) is committed to sustaining and enhancing education at Beach Elementary School and for children on Lummi Island through current and long-term financial and material support.
Our Goals
Lummi Island Foundation for Education:
Provides limited and defined advocacy efforts at federal, state, and local school district levels about general education issues and those impacting Beach Elementary School.
Encourages students to become active, compassionate and life-long learners by investing in innovative educational programs not funded by the school district, addressing at-risk and gifted children, and benefiting a significant number of Island children.
We are able to do this through community support, grants, events, and have partnered with important organizations like Friends of the Island Library (FOIL), The Lummi Island Grange, Lummi Island Community Association (LICA), the Lummi Island Civic Club, as well as off-Island partnerships with Western Washington University.