To the editor:

Students on Bainbridge Island are fortunate to have a community that cares about public education.

Bainbridge Schools Foundation (BSF) does not just provide extras beyond what state funding provides. BSF allows for the fundamentals of education to be meet including: STEM staffing and curriculum, professional development, and support for struggling students.

Our schools’ STEM program presents students with science and engineering challenges to solve in a team setting. Research shows that STEM problem solving skills go beyond the classroom to all areas of life.

Professional development is woefully underfunded by state dollars, but like any professional, educators need ongoing training. Students learn more from teachers who have access to the tools and support they need and deserve.

BSF doubles the resources dedicated to struggling students. With access to this type of support, students feel better about school, focus better on the subject matter, and learn more each year.

These are just a few examples of the areas Bainbridge Schools Foundation invests in. To meet our commitments, we need to raise $1 million this year.

Public education is the foundation and the future for our community. Public schools are where students come to be educated in the fullest sense of that word. By giving our students a well-rounded education, we do them, their families, and this entire island a service.

As the year comes to an end, we ask you not to forget our schools. Give at www.thebsf.org or select the Bainbridge Schools Foundation in your One Call for All designation.

CHRIS CANCIALOSI, SCOTT COVEY, BRIAN LIVINGSTON, ANNA STEEN, AND PIPER THORNBURGH

BSF Board of Directors