Celebrating 20 years

Twenty years ago a group of individuals had the idea of helping out teachers and students with needs outside of the budget.

On May 19, 1989, 18 charter members formed Partners In Education as a division of the El Dorado Community Foundation, which had the purpose of helping businesses and private citizens improve the quality of life for all citizens. PIE had a bit narrower scope, the goal was to provide funds beyond those necessary for day-to-day operations, and eventually broke off from the larger foundation to be a separate entity.

Sen. Nancy Kassebaum spoke to the group at their foundation brunch on Dec. 30, 1989.

Among their early projects and fundraisers were the Pairing for Caring program, which paired high school students with faculty members for additional help; hot dog feeds at the football games; and education grants.

Their first major project was at the El Dorado Middle School, where they supplied 15 modules for the technology lab. For this, businesses sponsored each of the cubicles.

They also helped with the wiring of five elementary schools for computers.

They also held a 3R Campaign, which was a big fundraising drive to help with the three Rs – reading, writing and arithmetic. This established an endowment fund, with the Don Doman Fund as the first endowment.

This was the start of the teacher grants 19 years ago, and they continue today, providing teachers money for special projects or equipment in their classrooms. These continue to be given out twice a year.

Another big event for PIE was Exercise For Education, which also continues today.

“This has been going on for several years,” said Lou Clennan, one of two charter members still involved with PIE. The other charter member is Barb Dankert.

Exercise for Education has involved a number of activities including a walk- and skate-a-thon each spring. This has been a staple for PIE fundraising, involving elementary and middle school students.

“The thing that really helps us be a success are the businesses,” Clennan said.

They also held quilt drawings, a flea market and auction in 1997 and the Opening Doors For Tomorrow campaign in 1998.

With their pass-through programs, they also helped with the EMS auditorium seats and the Galen Blackmore Stadium, by receiving and distributing funding.

Then five years ago they began giving out scholarships to students.

“We started with the basics, then as we got stronger with money, we started more programs,” Clennan explained.

One of their early recognitions came when Linda Olsen, the first PIE president, was a national finalist in the National Association of PIE Outstanding School Volunteer Awards Program.

Another milestone for PIE came a few years back when they were able to raise enough money to hire a part time director. Previously, PIE had been run strictly by volunteers.

USD 490 staff and administrators are grateful for PIE assistance.

“In addition to the extensive scholarship opportunities provided through PIE for USD 490 students, their support of innovative teaching and special projects reaches even farther into every classroom, touching every one of the students in our schools,” said Superintendent Sue Givens.

“They truly exemplify their name and we are fortunate to have them as ‘Partners In Education.’”
PIE also is appreciative of USD 490.

The district houses the PIE office at no cost to PIE and supports them in their endeavors. PIE is a separate entity from the district.

“The USD 490 administration has, from the beginning, been instrumental in our success,” Clennan said.

The reception held Wednesday evening in honor of the milestone, not only was to recognize members but also their endowed funds donors.

Dankert said they provide an important avenue for parents and community members to help out school kids .

“We’re in it because we are helping the kids,” she said.

PIE donors have made an impact of more than $1.5 million, and now has about 50 endowed funds.