WHO WE ARE
The La Grande Education Foundation was created in 1995 by members of the community as a way to support the students of La Grande for perpetuity. A gift to La Grande Education Foundation is truly the gift that keeps giving. Every year, students of La Grande School District benefit from your gift.
ENDOWED GROUPS
Below are a list of organizations that receive annual grants. Additionally, our General Fund accepts grant applications from any La Grande School District employee. Gifts to the La Grande Education Foundation can go to an existing fund, the General Fund, or to set up a new fund to support a specific program.
Band Program
Girls' Basketball Team
Boys' Basketball Team
Choir Program
Dale Lauritzen Founder's Scholarship
Elementary Performing Arts
Football Team
General Excellence in Education Fund
Golf Program (Girls and Boys)
High School Art
Kilby Scholarship Fund
The Library Fund
Mock Trial Team
Riveria School Area Students
Sherry's Angel Fund
Soccer Program (Girls and Boys)
Swim Team
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Dale Lauritzen, Co-Chair
Dale was a teacher (high school) for three years followed by almost twenty years as a professor (Teacher Education). All of his post-secondary education was at the University of Nebraska - Go Huskers! He is now a full-time golfer and fisherman.
Sheila Sands, Co-Chair
Sheila has long been an educator: tutoring and teaching English as a second language, teaching French for 12 years at in Seattle, and volunteering to teach in the Art Literacy program in La Grande, while her two sons were in grade school. She believes that educational experiences are one of the greatest gifts that can be given and she is p La Grande Education Foundation endeavors to provide more and more of these opportunities.
Tanya Kausler, Treasurer
Tanya Kausler grew up in Eastern Oregon and earned her Bachelor of Science from Eastern Oregon University and her Master’s in Accounting at Weber State University. She obtained her CPA license in 2000 and is licensed in Utah and Oregon. Tanya currently teaches accounting at Eastern Oregon University. Tanya’s experience has been in the private sector and public accounting. Her experience ranges from managing an accounting department, business consulting, business taxes, individual taxes, and governmental audits.
Tanya enjoys the outdoor activities offered by Eastern Oregon, including skiing, camping, biking, and hiking.
Robert Kleng, Board Member
Robert Kleng is the Director of the Eastern Oregon University Head Start School Family where he works to build connections, foster empowerment, and enhance resiliency. Robert was born and raised in La Grande, graduated from La Grande High School, and Eastern Oregon University. He currently lives in the house his grandparents built with his wife and two children. Together, they enjoy taking advantage of the outdoor activities Eastern Oregon has to offer, every season and every day of the year.
Patti Martin, Board Member
Patti retired from teaching after 34 years. She taught eight years in Alaskan villages, six years in Central Oregon and the remainder with the La Grande School District. Patti and her husband now enjoy camping, rafting, traveling and spending time with their family.
Marti House, Board Member
After a thirty year teaching career, Marti has retired and lives and nurtures her own 100 acre wood. She and her husband romp with their dogs, prune and thin trees, garden, raise chickens, and hike or snowshoe through all our gorgeous four seasons. Although the teaching process was rewarding and her students amazing, retirement has provided a new outlet for her energy.
Zachary Lauritzen, Board Member
Zachary has been a teacher, administrator, and coach around Oregon and currently lives in Portland. His hometown roots bring him back to La Grande in service of LGEF. He believes public education is the most important aspect of our democracy and is passionate about supporting youth in La Grande. You can also find him hiking, biking, gardening, and spending time with his family.