About US

KNOW THE foUNDATION

The El Reno Public School Foundation, founded in 1988, is a non-profit 501(c)(3) corporation founded for the purpose of raising and providing support for El Reno Public Schools’ faculty, staff, and students. Monies raised are invested, and distributed through competitive grant and scholarship programs.


Donations to the Foundation are graciously accepted. In addition, the Foundation values the human resource donations (volunteers) to help with all aspects of the Foundation and its mission.

“If you plan for 1 year, plant some rice. If you plan for 10 years, plant a tree. If you plan for 100 years, educate a child.” - Wanda L. Bass

Foundation Members Presenting a Grant

Our Vision

Empowering our community by dismantling barriers and illuminating a clear, accessible path for everyone to achieve their educational aspirations.

We are a foundation with the capacity to help the community by helping schools:

  • Provide innovative learning techniques
  • Showcase successful alumni
  • Source higher education scholarships

PRESIDENT

Justin Tate

VICE PRESIDENT

Jason Looper

SECRETARY

Dana Gibson

TREASURER

Debbie Harrison

Trustees

Class of 2021-2022

Kelsey Ballhorn
Debbie Harrison
Randy Hurst
Jana Knott

Class of 2022-2023

Dana Gibson
Lacey Carder-Holden

Class of 2023-2024

Tamara Nelson
Justin Tate
Jason Looper
Gerardo Troncoso
Rachel Sandidge
Raven Bramlett

Ex-Officio

Curtis Blanc
Craig McVay

Immediate Past President

Jana Knott

ERPSF Grant Selection Committee

Kelsey Ballhorn, Chairman
Debbie Harrison
Justin Tate

ERPSF Distinguished Alumni Committee

Dana Gibson
Debbie Harrison
Jana Knott

ERPSF Scholarship Committee

Lacey Carder-Holden, Chairman
Dana Gibson
Jason Looper

Multiple Community Members

FOUNDATION FAQ

  • An endowment, funded in 1988, for El Reno Public Schools;
    A non-profit, tax exempt organization {501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Tax Code};
  • A board consisting of community members, also ex-officio members representing the El Reno Public Schools Board of Education, school administration, and teachers;
  • A provider of grant opportunities for El Reno Public School teachers, programs, and school sites, to expand, enrich, and enhance educational opportunities which are not otherwise funded by the school district;
  • A manager, in conjunction with El Reno Public Schools, of a mentoring program designed to focus on students of all ability, race, ethnicity, and national origin;
  • Does not make capital improvements, compensation payments to teachers, or collaborate with district bond issues.
  • Help El Reno Public Schools maximize the quality of education for students in the district;
  • Work closely with El Reno Public Schools Board of Education, administration, and teachers to pursue the common goal of advancing excellence in educational opportunities within the district;
  • Maintain independence, while still working in collaboration, from the El Reno Public Schools Board of Education and administration.
  • Generous individual donors
  • Memorials and bequests
  • Funding-raising events
  • Tributes
  • In-kind donations

Every contribution is divided in half with an equal amount going to the endowment fund and grants and operations. Funds are carefully invested for maximum growth and safety. Through the grants program, more than $300,000 has been awarded to El Reno Public Schools teachers and educational leaders.

Grant Applications (Leslie F. Roblyer Leadership Grant, School Site Foundation Grant, Individual Staff Member Foundation Grant, and Walker High School Grant) are carefully reviewed for need, project objectives, implementation schedule, benefits to students, achievement milestones, and budget.

El Reno Public School Foundation exclusively supports El Reno Public Schools. Endowments ensure perpetual sources of supplemental funding, but does not replace traditional state, local, and federal funding sources, or alter the amount of these sources. Foundation support impacts teachers who impact students, provides direct incentive/recognition of El Reno Public Schools’ teachers at all levels, and grant programs encourage innovative and creative thinking for student learning and achievement.

Many projects funded by the Foundation are actually used as models for other classrooms and/or pilot programs. Teachers who utilize new techniques and strategies often go on to train other teachers at their own site, throughout the district, and beyond. Successful pilot programs spread throughout the district and can possible lead to positive changes in curriculum, instruction, and program offerings.

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