The Lawton Public School Foundation, a nonprofit organization, was founded in 1991 in an effort to address continuing cuts in the local educational budgets for Lawton Public Schools. Historically funded through memorial and other voluntary financial contributions from individuals and local companies, the LPS employee payroll deduction, and an annual fundraising breakfast, the LPSF administers funds aimed at providing local educators with scientific, educational and charitable funding not available from the school district. Funded grants are used by teachers in the LPS school district for in-class educational materials, technology and other teaching aids that would not be otherwise be available to them.

The LPSF has funded more than 400 grants totaling more than $225,000 throughout the last 10 years. The organization exists to help ensure the highest level of public education possible for district children.

The Pillar Program

Community members are welcome to join the Pillar Program, an initiative that works to improve the quality of the local public school system through monetary donations. Since the current endowment fund was unable to keep up with the growing needs of Lawton Public Schools, the LPSF Pillar Program.

All contributions are tax-deductible; contributors will be recognized on published materials, given Pillar Members yard signs for display, eligible to serve on the LPSF board and able to designate educational areas in which their contributions are distributed to.

Businesses may become a Pillar Member for $1,000, individuals may do so for $500 and LPS employees or retirees may be members for $250.

For more information, call (580)595-8323 or visit www.lawtonpsf.org.