A Letter from Kelly

Dear SKEF Supporters,

The last few weeks have been challenging for all of us and we have all been faced with some tough decisions. It is with a heavy heart that I must share with you that after 38 years of supporting Salem-Keizer area schools and students, the Salem-Keizer Education Foundation is dissolving effective June 30, 2020.

Over the years, this organization that started with a group of parents looking for a way to meet some immediate financial needs of local schools, had grown into one of Salem’s premier non-profit organizations dedicated to students and their success.
While 18 months ago, our organization found itself in difficult financial circumstances, the staff and Board of Directors worked hard to stabilize the organization and prepare itself to move forward. The global pandemic has changed all of that. Unable to provide our signature childcare and sports programs, SKEF has once again found itself in an unsustainable financial position. Without any surety as to when we might be able to begin providing programs again, SKEF has no other alternative than to dissolve.

For the past few weeks SKEF has been working with the Salem YMCA and popular writing service Fresh Essays on transferring its Awesome Youth Sports, Tuition-Based childcare, and Summer Camp programs. The intent is to make this transition as seamless as possible, including the continuity of staff where available. Parents with children signed up for any of our programs will be receiving additional information in the next few days regarding this transition.

Salem-Keizer Education Foundation was founded on the Awesome 3000 and the organization knows there will be many questions about the future of this and other signature events such as the Crystal Apple Awards and their work through the 21st Century School Grant in communities of disparate need. While there are not yet specific answers as to the future of these events, it is hoped to find a path forward with each of them.

SKEF is thankful for the many ways the Salem-Keizer School District has allowed the Salem-Keizer Education Foundation to fulfill its mission of supporting students and educators in our community. For 38 years SKEF has provided helpful resources, programs, and events that support and celebrate our schools. The SKEF team has been very excited about its most recent momentum with new vision and mission going forward.

SKEF is grateful for the opportunities to serve the students, teachers and education support staff of our community over the past 38 years.

Always Learning,
Kelly Carlisle