ABOUT THE LIVINGSTON EDUCATION FOUNDATION

OUR MISSION

THE MISSION of the Livingston Education Foundation is to work with the community to support and enhance educational opportunities for student and teachers, in partnership with the Livingston Public Schools.

THE FOUNDATION will achieve its mission by directing resources toward the following goals:

– Promoting and celebrating student educational success;

– Recognizing staff for creative and innovative teaching;

– Increasing the visibility and value of public education;

– Promoting understanding that the entire community is responsible for creating, maintaining and participating in quality public education;

– Recruiting and supporting a dynamic, volunteer Board of Directors that represents Livingston;

– Encouraging lifelong learning by providing unique educational opportunities for students, staff and the community; and

– Building awareness of the Livingston Education Foundation.

THE LIVINGSTON EDUCATION FOUNDATION:

 – Is a 501(c)(3) non-profit, tax-exempt philanthropic organization of local citizens, independent of the Livingston Public School District but complementing and collaborating with it;

– Works to increase private support for public education beyond that which is constitutionally mandated; and

– Benefits Livingston Public School students and staff by serving as a catalyst and fund source for new ideas, programs and education methods.

Our History

The Livingston Education Foundation was founded in 2002, upon recommendation of a steering committee formed by community members after school levies failed in the spring of 2002. A fundraiser was held over the 4th of July in Livingston and pledges made to support activities and curriculum. On October 15, 2002 the committee met with potential board members and recommended forming a foundation that:

  • Is separate from, but works closely with the School District
  • The district Superintendent should serve as an ex officio role on the foundation board
  • The foundation should focus on enhancing opportunities for students and teachers and avoid supplementing anything that should be publicly funded
  • Community engagement should highlight excellent public schools as key to economic growth

 

The committee voted to support the formation of the Livingston Education Foundation with the initial funds raised be sent directly to the district.

Founding Board Members

Amy Titgemeier Stevens*
Ted Madden*
Cara McNeely*
Julee Sievers*
Stacy Jovick*
Bonnie Hyatt-Murphy*
Laurie Francis*
Mark Pesa
Rich Baerg
Lara Salazar
Kathy Jehowski
Marci Hertz

*Steering Committee

2021-2022 BOARD AND STAFF

Andy Turner

Andy Turner

Board Member

Suzie Lalich

Suzie Lalich

Board Member, Treasurer

Suzie Lalich is a native Montanan and whom has dedicated her career to the field of Human Resources .  Currently she is the Director of HR at PrintingForLess.com. She enjoys juggling several activities at once and thrives on stimulating conversations. Her professional strengths are recruitment, employee relations and facilitating interpersonal conflicts in teams. In addition she has a passion for helping enhance her community by educating others on important issues.

Currently Suzie serves at the Treasurer for LEF and in her free time enjoys a plethora of MT outdoor activities with her husband and two cow dogs.

Suzie’s personal mission is to positively influence those around her by listening and participating at work and in social situations to offer an optimistic approach to solving problems and handling difficult situations.

Barbara Coon

Barbara Coon

Board Member

KJ Schretenthaler

KJ Schretenthaler

Board Member, Secretary

Marilyn Clotz

Marilyn Clotz

Board Member

Vicki Petry

Vicki Petry

Executive Director

Vicki Petry has several years experience with the Livingston Education Foundation, having served on the its board for two years prior to being hired as the ED.

Vicki has been involved with a variety of non-profits in Livingston in volunteer and development capacities – including St. Mary’s Catholic School and The Shane Lalani Center for the Arts.

Prior to living in Livingston, Vicki worked on development teams in both the non-profit and corporate worlds, including KUED Public Television and Russell Investments. Vicki also has worked with the Council for the Advancement and Support of Education (CASE) while a student at the University of Utah.

 

Vicki and her husband have three daughters who are or have been students in the Livingston schools.