Issaquah Schools Foundation
When my wife and I moved to the Seattle area, we probably had the same priorities and discussions as many of our neighbors. We wanted to find a safe neighborhood, an inclusive and vibrant community, and great schools for our children. As we explored the area, we instantly connected with Issaquah and the Issaquah Highlands community.
We were impressed by the welcome we received from the Issaquah School District (ISD). Everyone focused on helping our son thrive through his transition to a new school. When I learned about the Issaquah Schools Foundation (ISF) and the $12 million they contributed to ISD over the years, making some of the resources my son was using possible, I reached out to volunteer.
ISF offers many services to help over 20,000 students in our school system, supporting a wide array of programming including grants for teachers, basic needs and academic support to students, STEM, art and music enrichment, professional development, and family engagement activities. Those grants help enrich our children’s learning environments across the district. I grew up in a family of public school teachers and remember how excited my mom, an eighth-grade life skills teacher, would be when she received a grant to get a new activity for her classroom. As an Issaquah resident, I love the Cultural Bridges program and its ability to help all families through events, mentoring, and translation services in several languages.
I started volunteering with ISF about a year ago, first as part of the marketing committee before joining the board of trustees this spring. As a board, we strive to help provide oversight and guidance for ISF as they make an impact across the district.
As a volunteer board member, I enjoy having the opportunity to hear from representatives of the school board, district leadership, and teachers. I also appreciate the diverse backgrounds and educational experiences of our board of trustees. After every meeting, I feel like I learn something and connect more deeply with the community. I have most enjoyed visiting with ISF donors. Our donors’ passion for this community and our kids inspires me every time. It reinforces my family’s decision to make Issaquah our home.
For ISF volunteer information, visit isfdn.org/get-involved.
Photo: Nick (far right) with (from left to right) his wife, Sarah, daughter, Ellie, and son, Sam.
