Our history and mission.
Lafayette Partners in Education (LPIE) is a community-driven fundraising organization that supplements state funding for programs that inspire learning, enrich teaching, and promote innovation and academic excellence in Lafayette's public schools.
For 46 years, LPIE has provided a way for parents, caregivers, and our community to invest in superior public education for our students in the Lafayette School District and Acalanes High School. Initially, LPIE enriched existing programs in science, art, and music. This need, which began with just a few thousand dollars, has grown into a multi-million-dollar commitment that maintains small class sizes, rigorous academics, and a breadth of educational experiences from transitional kindergarten through high school.
LPIE funds teachers and other educators whose positions the state of California does not fund or require, but are considered necessary for a quality education by parents, caregivers, and educators.
LPIE is a California non-profit, public benefit corporation. It is a tax-exempt organization under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. The federal tax ID number for the foundation (EIN) is 94-2699518. All donations are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law.
How we use funds
for our schools.
Our Charity Navigator score is 95%. And, we’re rated Platinum with Candid Guidestar.
88% Teachers + Instructors
12% Supplies
<1% Programming + Experiences
We close the gap in funding to ensure our students can thrive.
Before Proposition 13, California schools were well funded by local property taxes. However, after the passage of Proposition 13 in 1978, school budgets were significantly reduced, with cuts amounting to approximately 60%. In response, Lafayette Partners in Education (LPIE) was established in 1980 to ensure that every student receives a robust and well-rounded education.
Today, California ranks 33rd in the nation for per-student funding, necessitating that a significant portion of school budgets be supplemented through local funding. LPIE plays a crucial role in bridging this funding gap, providing essential support to Lafayette's public schools.
Our financials.
BUDGET
ANNUAL REPORTS
FINANCIAL REPORTS
2026-27 LPIE BOARD MEETING CALENDAR
LPIE Board Meetings:
- Tues, 8/18 Board Meeting 9:00a @ AUHSD Board Room
- Tues, 10/20 Board Meeting 9:00a @AUHSD Board Room
- Tues, 12/8 Board Meeting 6:00p @ Don Tatzin Community Hall at Lafayette Library
- Tues, 1/26 Board Meeting 6:00p @ Google Meet
- Tues, 3/9 Board Meeting 9:00a @AUHSD Board Room
- Tues, 5/11 Board Meeting 9:00a @ AUHSD Board Room
Meet us.
62025-2027 BOARD AND STAFF
Interested in getting involved? Whether serving on the board, helping on a committee, volunteering as an LPIE classroom rep, or filling a volunteer slot at an LPIE-sponsored event, there are always opportunities to get involved. Please contact the LPIE office at office@lpie.org
LEADERSHIP TEAM
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Abbey Dykhouse
PRESIDENT
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Kaylin Deutscher
VICE PRESIDENT
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Jaia Kaufman
PAST PRESIDENT
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Archith Mahadevan
TREASURER
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Annie Holmes
SECRETARY
FUNDRAISING, EVENTS, COMMUNICATION CHAIRS
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Annette McCormick
FUNDRAISING CO-CHAIR: ANNUAL GIVING CAMPAIGN
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Rachael Pringle
FUNDRAISING CO-CHAIR: MAJOR DONORS
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Melanie Thu Dinh
FUNDRAISING CO-CHAIR: BUSINESS PARTNERS
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Matt Sharp
FUNDRAISING CO-CHAIR: BUSINESS PARTNERS
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Kaylin Deutscher
EVENTS CHAIR
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Siena Naaman
ARTS & HUMANITIES CO-CHAIR
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Hillary Nagy
ARTS & HUMANITIES CO-CHAIR
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Jeff MacMillan
MUSIC & PERFORMING ARTS CO-CHAIR
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Sandra Kang Chandler
STEM CHAIR
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Jennifer Chen
AUHSD REPRESENTATIVE
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Dave Smith
LAFSD REPRESENTATIVE
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Matthew Ramsey
NEW FAMILIES CO-CHAIR
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Jenn Wallace
NEW FAMILIES CO-CHAIR
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Mario DiPrisco
ALUMNI CO-CHAIR
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Amy Parlett-Reeder
ALUMNI CO-CHAIR
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Tom Mulvaney
ENDOWMENT CHAIR
SCHOOL CHAIRS
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Alanna Peters
BURTON VALLEY SCHOOL CO-CHAIR
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Lauren Furlong
BURTON VALLEY SCHOOL CO-CHAIR
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Meredith Mandell
HAPPY VALLEY SCHOOL CO-CHAIR
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Julia Briefstein
HAPPY VALLEY SCHOOL CO-CHAIR
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Teny Shapiro
LAFAYETTE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL CO-CHAIR
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Trish Emerson
LAFAYETTE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL CO-CHAIR
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Caitlin Pareenja
SPRINGHILL SCHOOL CO-CHAIR
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Claire Waterman
SPRINGHILL SCHOOL CO-CHAIR
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Emily Lewis
STANLEY SCHOOL CO-CHAIR
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Madhvi Puri
STANLEY SCHOOL CO-CHAIR
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Jaime Polson
ACALANES SCHOOL CO-CHAIR
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Jocelyn Werner
ACALANES SCHOOL CO-CHAIR
MEMBERS AT LARGE
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Brian Brocious
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Dan Grover
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Bill Hall
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Matthew O'Keefe
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Julie Parks
GUESTS
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John Nickerson
AUHSD SUPERINTENDENT
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TBD
AHS PRINCIPAL
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Brent Stephens
LafSD SUPERINTENDENT
ADVISORY COMMITTEE
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Erin Kramer
READ-A-THON
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Katie Fremont
READ-A-THON
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Rik Sheldon
COMMUNICATIONS: DIGITAL & SOCIAL MEDIA
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Laura Wehrley
LafSD COMMITTEES (SUSTAINABILITY)
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Mike Mulcahy
LafSD COMMITTEES (DEIB)
LPIE STAFF
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Danielle Gallagher
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
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Gabrielle Ohleyer
FUNDRAISING ADMINISTRATOR
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Colleen Byrd
PROGRAMS & OPERATIONS COORDINATOR

