As a result, the district will now be able to fund eight music classes, including middle and high school jazz, orchestra, and middle school choir, preserving essential opportunities for creative expression, skill-building, and connection for hundreds of students. The campaign will cover the cost of 1.5 fte positions, split between the eight schools, and preserving the following classes:

• Orchestra at Alderwood Middle School, serving over 80 7th-grade string students
• Jazz Band at Meadowdale, Alderwood, and Brier Terrace Middle Schools
• Jazz Band 2 at Edmonds-Woodway and Mountlake Terrace High Schools
• Choir at Brier Terrace Middle School
• Music Technology at Meadowdale High School

“I’m thrilled by and thankful for the generosity of caring citizens in our community,” said Rick Steves. “Together, we exceeded our goal to help fund music programs in our local public schools, and I’m proud to be a part of this initiative.”

“The response from our community has been nothing short of extraordinary,” said Tam Osborne, Manager of Visual & Performing Arts for the Edmonds School District. “When we faced the difficult reality of budget constraints impacting some of our music programs, our families, local businesses, and community members stepped forward with remarkable support. Their commitment to our students’ musical education has made all the difference.”

“Music education is fundamental to a well-rounded academic experience,” Osborne continued. “These programs don’t just teach students to play instruments or sing – they develop critical thinking, teamwork, discipline, and self-expression. Many thanks to the Foundation for Edmonds School District for their advocacy, and to the many donors whose generosity directly supports these music programs.”

The Foundation credits the campaign’s success to the collective power of community. “Our local community sent a clear message: music matters,” said Deborah Brandi, Foundation Executive Director. “Thanks to this shared commitment, students across the district will continue to learn, create, and thrive in programs that nurture expression, connection, and confidence. We are incredibly grateful to everyone involved.”

For more information about the Save the Arts campaign or to support future efforts, visit www.foundationesd.org.

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A $26,700 grant will help cover Advanced Placement (AP) and International Baccalaureate (IB) exam fees for students who qualify for free or reduced-price lunch. These exams are part of dual credit programs that allow students to earn college credit while still in high school, helping them prepare for college and save on tuition costs.

Until recently, the state helped subsidize these exam fees for students from lower-income households. With that funding no longer available, many families are now faced with new costs that could prevent students from taking the exams, even after successfully completing the rigorous coursework that prepares them.

This grant will help offset exam and related fees so that students from low-income families can continue to access these opportunities. Dual credit programs are widely recognized for improving college readiness and increasing the likelihood that students will complete a degree. By removing this financial barrier, students can fully benefit from their work in the program.

The Foundation also received a $56,375 grant to support post-secondary scholarships for graduating seniors as they pursue college, technical training, or other post-secondary education. Scholarships provide critical support for students as they transition from high school to the next stage of their education, particularly for those who may face financial barriers.

“We are incredibly thankful for the Hazel Miller Foundation,” said Deborah Brandi, Executive Director of the Foundation for Edmonds School District. “Their support ensures students can fully benefit from the hard work they put into their education and continue pursuing their dreams after graduation.”

Through partnerships with community organizations and donors, the Foundation works to remove barriers and expand opportunities for students across the Edmonds School District.

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Verdant Health Commission is dedicated to improving the health and well-being of South Snohomish County residents. Through strategic investments and partnerships, Verdant addresses community needs such as access to healthcare, food security, mental health, and physical wellness.

“We’re pleased to partner with the Foundation for Edmonds School District to ensure that no student goes hungry, and has access to holistic programs and services that can help them succeed,” said Verdant Health Commissioner, Jim Distelhorst, MD. “With over 21,000 students in the Edmonds School District, supporting these families is an important part of Verdant’s mission to improve the health and well-being of South Snohomish County residents.”

“We are deeply grateful for Verdant’s continued partnership,” said Deborah Brandi, Foundation for Edmonds School District Executive Director. “Their investment ensures that children in our community have the nutrition, stability, and mental health support they need to learn and thrive.”

Launched in 2017, Whole Families, Whole Communities was created to ensure that every student has the foundation to learn, grow, and thrive. The program provides vulnerable students and families with coordinated, wraparound supports that address the interconnected barriers to learning, including food and housing insecurity, access to health care, and mental health challenges. Over time, WFWC has evolved into a robust afterschool initiative that brings these essential services directly to students where they are, combining academic support with social-emotional learning, wellness education, and family engagement.

With Verdant’s support, FESD will expand its Student Wellness initiative, an extension of WFWC designed to respond to the growing need for mental health and behavioral supports, particularly among middle school students who are facing increased stress, anxiety, and social pressures.

Piloted at Alderwood Middle School (AMS) in spring 2025, the afterschool program provided mental health support and social-emotional skill development to 30 students each week. With the new funding, FESD will continue offering programs at AMS, ensuring students have access to the care and connection they need to stay engaged in school and build resilience for the future.

Since 2014, the Nourishing Network program has provided food access to students and families facing food insecurity. Nearly half of Edmonds School District students are economically disadvantaged, and more than 800 students experience housing instability. Nourishing Network meets these families where they are by delivering weekend meal kits, hosting pop-up pantries, and offering summer meals to ensure no child goes hungry when school is out.

Last year, the program distributed more than 350,000 food items and reached over 800 students and families weekly. Through close collaboration with school-based Family Resource Advocates, Nourishing Network also connects families to personalized support such as housing, employment, and health resources, helping them move from crisis toward stability.

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Lynnwood, WA: The Foundation for Edmonds School District has received a generous grant of $240,000 from the Whitehorse Foundation to support Whole Families, Whole Communities (WFWC), a wraparound program connecting families to critical resources that helps students overcome barriers to academic success. 

This renewed funding from the Whitehorse Foundation will sustain 2.5 Family Resource Advocate (FRA) positions in district elementary schools and launch a pilot afterschool program at Alderwood Middle School. This investment will strengthen direct support for families experiencing housing instability, food insecurity, and other factors that impact their confidence, wellbeing and future opportunities. 

The Whitehorse Foundation has supported the program for seven years – since its launch in 2018. 

“The Whitehorse Foundation’s steady, heartfelt support, along with our dedicated collaborators, has helped to grow Whole Families, Whole Communities into a pillar of family assistance in the School District,” said Deborah Brandi, Executive Director, Foundation for Edmonds School District. 

Whole Families, Whole Communities connects families to critical services through a coordinated network of community partners and school-based staff. Since August 2024 alone, FRAs have supported more than 1,100 families, including nearly 200 students experiencing homelessness. From assistance with housing and legal advocacy to food access and mental health referrals, WFWC is a coordinated, compassionate response to the complex challenges facing students and families in poverty. 

The new afterschool pilot at Alderwood Middle School will provide tutoring, mentoring, leadership development, and enrichment activities, along with evening programs that support parents through ELL, parenting classes, counseling and assistance in navigating resources. 

“We’re incredibly grateful for this enduring partnership. The Whitehorse Foundation’s belief in this work has allowed us to meet families where they are, with the right resources, at the right time. Their investment has made real, lasting change possible,” said Deborah Brand, Executive Director of the Foundation for Edmonds School District. 

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Since its inception in 1984, the Foundation has played a pivotal role in fostering educational excellence by providing resources, grants, and support to students, teachers, and schools within the district. Programs include early learning, classroom and schoolwide grants for innovative teaching ideas, on the job training, post-secondary scholarships, school supplies, reading programs, and more, alongside all important nutrition services provided by the Nourishing Network. Programs serve children along their journey from cradle to career.

“Now, more than ever, we all need to help all our children succeed in school so they can succeed in life,” says Dr. Jack Faris, recognized community leader. “The Foundation for the Edmonds School District exemplifies the kind of comprehensive and strategic approach necessary to support our schools and our children, helping families with early learning programs so their children are ready to start Kindergarten ready to learn, making sure they are well nourished, guiding them to the full range of possibilities for college, vocational training, and careers. And more.”

“Through their support, our donors, sponsors, and community members are building bridges for children along their educational journey,” says Deborah Brandi, Foundation Executive Director. “This support is vital to preparing our children to become thriving members of our community. We are honored to carry out our mission for the last 40 years and to continue this legacy well into the future, enriching the education of students for years to come.”

During the event, guests were treated to live music from the Mountlake Terrace High School String Quartet, the District’s Korean P’ungmul Pae, and Lynnwood High School’s Jazz Ensemble. Foundation Executive Director Deborah Brandi shared about the important educational journey children take over the course of their lives and the impact Foundation programs and services have had over the years.  

Guests also heard from a variety of presenters, including district students, Ava Rector and Jesse Gausch, Phil Onishi, teacher and music director at Lynnwood High School, Matthew Benuska, Program Instructor of the Korean P’ungmul Pae and District Budget Analyst, and Haeley Handy, alumnus from Mountlake Terrace High School.

“We want to extend a big thank you to everyone who attended the event and to our sponsors,” says Deborah. “The support of our community as we continue this important work is truly heartwarming.”

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Since its inception in 1984, the Foundation has played a pivotal role in fostering educational excellence by providing resources, grants, and support to students, teachers, and schools within the district.

Over the forty years, the Foundation has grown from one program to launching its 22^nd program in the fall of 2023, positively impacting students from cradle to career. As part of its vision that every student has the resources to learn, thrive and contribute to our vibrant community, the Foundation has provided approximately $2.5 million in classroom and schoolwide grants, funding innovative and inclusive education. Since its merger with the Edmonds School District Alumni Association in 2014 and the Mountlake Terrace Educators Association in 2015 the Foundation has awarded almost $1.3 million in post-secondary scholarships.

Alongside grants and awards, the Foundation has focused efforts on providing nutrition and hygiene support and wrap around services to students and families through the Nourishing Network and Whole Families, Whole Communities, extending its impact beyond the classroom and fostering a culture of collaboration and community engagement.

“We are honored to celebrate 40 years of service to the Edmonds School District. This milestone is a testament to the enduring dedication of our community to the success and well-being of our students,” says Deborah Brandi, Foundation Executive Director.

Throughout its history, the Foundation has contributed to initiatives that directly impact the learning environment, including post-secondary scholarships for deserving students:

“When I was still in high school, I couldn’t have imagined that I would be where I am today. My future was very uncertain at the time, I wasn’t sure how I was going to be able to afford college” says Neil Wiborg, 2018 Mountlake Terrace High School graduate. “Now that I have graduated from the University of Washington Bothell, I have moved across the country to start my career as a software engineer with Boeing in St. Louis. I’m not sure where I would have been 5 years after graduating if I hadn’t gotten these scholarships, but I know that they are a big part of what allowed me to focus on school rather than money and I am very thankful to be where I am today.”

“We look forward to building on the framework laid over the past 40 years and continuing to make a positive impact on the lives of students in our district. Our commitment to education remains steadfast, and we are excited about the opportunities that lie ahead,” adds Deborah.

As part of the anniversary celebrations, the Foundation for Edmonds School District be hosting their 40^th Anniversary Ruby Gala on March 16^th, 2024 at the Edmonds Waterfront Center as well as highlighting the important stories of students, teachers, and families who have been impacted by the hard work of Foundation Staff, Board, and Volunteers over the years.

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Early Childhood

Whether or not you have children, you’ve likely heard it said that early childhood development, particularly from the ages of one to five, is crucial to a person’s overall well-being and success. The Washington State Department of children, youth, and families offers an Early Achievers program, helping daycare providers to give quality care and excellent education to children before they start Kindergarten. Despite this, 54% of providers in our local area aren’t rated or don’t participate in the program. Only 47% of our children are kindergarten ready in all six key areas of learning by the time they get to school, which is lower than the state wide average of 54%. Becoming Kindergarten ready is crucial to better academic outcomes in elementary and high school, directly impacting career goals and higher education.

An investment in daycare providers is an investment in the future. The Foundation for Edmonds School District has created the new Early Learning Program, collaborating closely with the Edmonds School District, to reach out to daycare providers and provide access to resources and training so that they can provide quality care and become rated through Early Achievers. “The hope,” says Deborah Brandi, Executive Director, “is that all our children will be ready by the time they get to kindergarten. They’ll reach important milestones that will set them up for success, not just now, but well into the future beyond graduation and into their careers. If they succeed, we succeed.”

In School and Beyond

Building on this foundation demands equitable access to enriching educational experiences. Unfortunately, recent budget cuts jeopardize vital programs such as music, arts, and athletics, leaving students at risk, as these programs encourage teamwork, instill an understanding of logic and strategy, and build confidence.

The Foundation’s Classroom and Schoolwide grants, student matching programs for team travel, access to music labs and reading programs, to name just a few, help bridge this funding gap and provide access to a wide variety of experiences for students. Ensuring programs like this exist help to buffer against the risk of any further budget cuts or restraints.

Lifetime Learners, Lifetime Contributors

Education is not a finite chapter, but a lifelong journey, fostering creative thought and innovation, that benefits technology, business, and our economy. This is why investing in education is vital. The Foundation’s commitment to hands on job experiences through our On-the-Job Training program, tuition for “world language tests,” and post-secondary scholarships ensures that students can pursue their passions, contributing to society as informed, well-rounded, and skilled individuals – regardless of where their education takes them.

Children truly are the future. The vibrancy of our community rests on them and the opportunities we make available. Investing in education is not only important for every child, but for all our success.

If you’d like to donate or get involved in the work of the Foundation, visit www.foundationesd.org today or contact Deborah Brandi, Executive Director at deb@foundationesd.org or 425-431-7260.

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In Washington State, the impact is hitting hard: the University of Washington recently published a study showing that 1 in 4 households need government assistance just to survive. This Thanksgiving, local food banks faced the challenge of inflation affecting their ability to purchase food, making it tougher to support families in our community.

Community Support in Action: The Nourishing Network

The Nourishing Network is a coalition of caring community partners, including faith communities, businesses, non-profit organizations, food banks, and municipalities, all working together to support and serve local students and families facing food and housing insecurity. Through the Nourishing Network, the Foundation for Edmonds School District works to provide weekend meal kits, bags of groceries and important necessities at pop up pantries, and holiday meals to those who are struggling.

The numbers tell a compelling story. Last year, at the end of November, the Nourishing Network served weekend meal kits to 177 students each week; this November, that number has surged to 477 students weekly and only expects to increase from here. Monthly pop-up pantries are also seeing more than 430 families seeking assistance each month.

Thame Fuller, Nourishing Network Programs Director, highlights the stark reality: “This school year the number of students and families we are serving has risen to the highest levels we have ever seen, even surpassing the demand during the peak of the COVID crisis. There are many reasons for this, some positive, like a greater awareness of our programs, but many negative, most notably, the rise in inflation.”

Recently, the Foundation secured crucial funding, with $10,000 from T-Mobile’s Community Vitality Grant, $25,000 from Liberty Mutual’s SafeCo Insurance Fund, and an additional $140,000 from Verdant Health Commission aimed at helping homeless and low-income families. This financial boost is a lifeline for the Nourishing Network, given the increasing demand and the strain on resources.

“We’re incredibly thankful for this generous support,” says Deborah Brandi, Foundation Executive Director. “It breaks my heart to know so many children are in need and we’re working hard to meet that demand. This funding is vital, but the dollar must stretch so much further now that we’re finding we are also in need of extra assistance to meet these high needs in our community.”

Take Action Today

Support from local community members is essential to ensure that every child in our district has the resources to learn, thrive, and contribute to our vibrant community. There are many ways to help a child or family in need this holiday season. The Nourishing Network actively seeks volunteers for delivering food to those in need, stressing the importance of time as a valuable donation. Additionally, monetary and food donations remain crucial to sustaining this support. “We greatly appreciate our partners and supporters,” says Thame. “We encourage everyone who can to give generously to help our neighbors overcome the trauma of food and housing insecurity they are currently enduring.”

To help a child today, visit www.foundationesd.org to make a gift, or to volunteer, contact Thame Fuller, Nourishing Network Programs Director, at thame@foundationesd.org or 425-431-7092. Your involvement today can help answer the pressing question faced by many families: “What do I do when I no longer have regular access to food?”

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Facing a $15 million shortfall, the Edmonds School Board voted to cut $14 million from its budget in April 2023. The cuts will result in the loss of 32 teaching jobs throughout the district, eliminating several hundred hours of classes in art, drama, music, career and technical education, and co-curricular activities. Class sizes are also expected to grow.

“It deeply saddens and distresses us to know that art, music, drama, and technical education are being cut so drastically. Our children, our community, our very future depends on a strong public education program.” ~Frank and Yvonne DeMiero, composer, renowned Edmonds School District music educator, and local jazz vocal legend

Public education plays a vital role in shaping the minds of future generations. Creativity, career preparation and extracurricular programs shape children’s lives. In addition to creating a sense of purpose and improving self-confidence, countless studies have shown that engaging in creative outlets helps children with problem solving, flexibility, and emotional resilience. Similarly, extracurricular activities boost academic performance. Cutting such programs has far-reaching impacts.

“The impacts from these budget cuts could negatively affect generations of students and future leaders in our district. We know that cuts like these have the ability to reduce academic performance, impact emotional and social development, limit college and career preparation, and increase stress and mental health issues.” ~Deborah Brandi, Executive Director, Foundation for Edmonds School District

The Foundation is launching a new $4 million endowment campaign over the next year to be responsive to the needs of children, families, and schools in the district. Currently the foundation provides a music lab, nourishing programs, classroom grants and other programs and bridge funding to help in the pursuit of educational excellence in our District. The new endowment will enable the Foundation to be responsive to evolving needs in light of these significant budget cuts.

We are accepting gifts of all sizes to help students now and in the future. Together, we can safeguard the transformative power of public education. By acting now, we can ensure a brighter future for our children and a thriving community for all. Join us in preserving the opportunities that shape young lives.

Whether through a one-time gift, multi-year pledge, or planned donation, your support will help preserve a vibrant community and empower the next generation of leaders. Visit foundationesd.org or send your gift to Foundation for Edmonds School District, PO. Box 390, Lynnwood, WA 98046. For information on making a planned gift or pledge, reach out to Deborah Brandi, the Foundation’s Executive Director at deb@foundationesd.org or 425-431-7260.

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Frank DeMiero, an esteemed music educator, clinician, and composer/arranger, receives the Living Legend Award for his remarkable work in vocal jazz. Having dedicated a significant portion of his career to the Edmonds School District, Frank’s influence has resonated deeply within the district’s music programs. During his tenure at Mountlake Terrace High School, Frank’s music groups consistently ranked among the region’s finest, fostering a culture of excellence and artistic growth. His legacy extends to the creation of the Soundsation (now DeMiero) Jazz Festival, a cherished event that continues to inspire aspiring musicians.

Due to illness, his award was received on his behalf by his son and grandson. “He is incredibly honored to receive this award,” says Vince DeMiero, Frank’s son. “He wanted me to thank Deborah Brandi and the Foundation for this award. To be inducted with two of his favorite coaches was quite the treat!”.

Fred Shull, a highly respected coach, and math teacher, at Edmonds High School (later Edmonds Woodway High School), is honored with the Living Legend Award for his exceptional coaching skills in football, basketball, and baseball. Fred’s Edmonds High School teams won 4 WESCO baseball titles in 1972, 1973, 1984, and 1985. He was inducted into the Washington State Baseball Coach Hall of Fame in 1990 and the Edmonds Community College Hall of Fame in 2014. Fred’s unwavering dedication to the athletic programs at Edmonds High School has set a standard of excellence that has influenced countless student-athletes. His tireless efforts, both on and off the field, have left an indelible mark, cultivating a strong sports culture that continues to thrive today.

Kim Wilson, an esteemed educator, and administrator, receives the Living Legend Award for his profound impact on the Edmonds School District. Beginning his career as a teacher and coach at Mountlake Terrace High School, Kim’s passion for education and athletics propelled him to various leadership roles within the district. Kim was inducted into the Washington Interscholastic Activities Association Hall of Fame in 2006, the Mountlake Terrace High School Hall of Fame in 2000, and the Snohomish County Sports Hall of Fame in 2015. Serving as the Director of Athletics for the Edmonds School District, Kim revolutionized the athletic programs, shaping the way sports are perceived and supported throughout the district. His invaluable insights, initiatives, and mentorship have inspired numerous coaches and athletic directors, fostering a spirit of collaboration and excellence in the Edmonds School District.

“The Foundation commends these Living Legends for their exceptional achievements and unwavering commitment to our district,” says Deborah Brandi, Executive Director. “Their dedication, passion, and lasting legacies continue to enrich the lives of students, educators, and our whole community.”

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