About

EDUCATIONAL FOUNDATION

As a source of growth and support for Lexington County School District One, the Educational Foundation’s mission is to support education and enrich the quality of life in our community by raising and managing funds. Through gifts from our many terrific philanthropic partners, we plant seeds in Lexington District One that bloom into amazing educational opportunities for our students. In addition, the Educational Foundation provides a great deal of need-based financial assistance to our students and employees via grants. Thank you for partnering with us in our efforts by donating to the Educational Foundation!

History

The Lexington County School District One Educational Foundation was established in 1994 as a 501(c)(3) organization that serves as a source of funds to support district programs and initiatives which are outside the scope of the district’s Annual Fund budget. It is governed by a board of directors comprised of Lexington District One parents, local business leaders, district school board members, the district teacher of the year, the district superintendent, and caring community leaders.

Our Foundation Board of Directors has grown from the original five members to the present group of more than 20 community leaders. The board hired the first executive director in 2003 and this position continues to lead the Educational Foundation, along with its dedicated board members, the superintendent, district trustees and staff. The Educational Foundation Board of Directors meets quarterly throughout the school year and holds special meetings as deemed necessary.

Since its inception, the Educational Foundation has been a continuously growing and evolving support arm of the district. The alternative sources of funding generated through the Educational Foundation have focused on a variety of important initiatives, including grants for schools, teachers, and students; scholarships for graduating seniors; financial help to families in need; and innovative educational programs that enhance students’ learning experiences in Lexington County School District One.

Most recently, the Foundation has supported literacy efforts through its Bucks for Books Grants; funded creative educational programs via our Innovation Grants for K-8 Schools; supported teachers with the Michelin Golden Apple Teacher Grants; and increased students’ learning through WP School Garden Mini-Grants. Annually, the Foundation honors the top graduating seniors through its Celebration of Excellence in Education banquet. Furthermore, our high school seniors have the opportunity to apply for numerous Foundation scholarships, thanks to individuals who want to leave a legacy and assist our students in their pursuit of future dreams. We also provide numerous types of financial support to our Lexington District One families in need. Help us strengthen educational opportunities and experiences for our students by making a gift to the Lexington One Educational Foundation today!

Board of Directors

Executive Committee

Bridget Winston

Chair

Randall M. Cooper

Secretary/Treasurer

Katrina D. Bryant

Vice Chair

Lisa McMeekin Phillips

Immediate Past Chair

Libby Roof

Lexington One Chief Communications Officer & Ex-Officio

Board Members

Elizabeth Ancone

2025 Lexington One Teacher of the Year

Laura Amick

Julie Bartels

Brent Clark

Michael L. Boone

Harriet Poe Coker

Angela C. Douda

LaMyron Jenkins

Jacqueline Kaminer

Brandi Snyder Keefer

Melissa Kergosien Moore

Lindsey Miles

Willard Mills Salley

Nicholas C. Pizzuti

Lexington One Board of Trustees Liaison

Jennifer White

Michelle McLaughlin White

Chris Shealy

Rebecca West

Dr. Scarlet Raymond Taylor

Honorary Board Members

James A. Compton

Richard J. Hook

Michael V. Shealy

Michael S. Wingard

Dr. Karl E. Fulmer

Foundation Staff

Vacant

Executive Director

Heather Young Johnson

Executive Secretary

Melissa Kneece

Marketing and Development
$567,126

AWARDED TO 735 LEXINGTON DISTRICT ONE SENIORS IN COLLEGE SCHOLARSHIPS OR GRANTS TO DATE

$215,018

INNOVATION GRANTS AWARDED IN PAST 11 YEARS INVESTED IN ELEMENTARY AND MIDDLE SCHOOL STUDENTS

$186,050

BUCKS FOR BOOKS GRANT AWARDS IN PAST EIGHT YEARS TO STRENGTHEN STUDENTS’ LITERACY SKILLS