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 45 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 97%. And, we’re rated Platinum with Candid Guidestar.

83% Teachers + Instructors

16% 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.

Meet us.

2025-2026 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

LPIE BOARD MEETING CALENDAR (please join us)

Tuesday, 08/19/25, 9:00 AM @AUHSD Board Room
Tuesday, 10/21/25, 7:00 PM @Stanley Library
Tuesday, 12/2/25, 9:00 AM @AUHSD Board Room
Tuesday, 02/3/26, 7:00 PM via Google Meet
Tuesday, 03/24/26, 7:00 PM @Stanley Library
Tuesday, 05/12/26, 9:00 AM @AUHSD Board Room

LEADERSHIP TEAM

  • Jaia Kaufman

    PRESIDENT

  • Bryan Morgan

    VICE PRESIDENT

  • Sam Carter

    PAST PRESIDENT

  • Archith Mahadevan

    TREASURER

  • Annie Holmes

    SECRETARY

FUNDRAISING, EVENTS, COMMUNICATION CHAIRS

  • Bill Hall

    FUNDRAISING CO-CHAIR: ANNUAL GIVING CAMPAIGN

  • Teny Shapiro

    FUNDRAISING CO-CHAIR: ANNUAL GIVING CAMPAIGN

  • Dan Grover

    FUNDRAISING CO-CHAIR: MAJOR DONORS

  • Rik Sheldon

    FUNDRAISING CO-CHAIR: MAJOR DONORS

  • Jaime Polson

    FUNDRAISING CO-CHAIR: BUSINESS PARTNERS

  • Tara Smith Kacher

    FUNDRAISING CO-CHAIR: BUSINESS PARTNERS

  • Laura Revelli

    EVENTS CO-CHAIR

  • Jamie Sharp

    EVENTS CO-CHAIR

  • Siena Naaman

    ARTS & HUMANITIES CO-CHAIR

  • Ivana Pignatelli

    ARTS & HUMANITIES CO-CHAIR

  • Alice Chen

    MUSIC & PERFORMING ARTS CO-CHAIR

  • Ayesha Wahedi

    MUSIC & PERFORMING ARTS CO-CHAIR

  • Anne Keyashian

    STEM CHAIR

  • Paul Chopra

    AUHSD REPRESENTATIVE

  • Jon Deane

    LAFSD REPRESENTATIVE

  • Scott Jaunrubenis

    NEW FAMILIES CO-CHAIR

  • Samara Bishop

    NEW FAMILIES CO-CHAIR

  • Mario DiPrisco

    ALUMNI CO-CHAIR

  • Amy Parlett

    ALUMNI CO-CHAIR

  • Tom Mulvaney

    ENDOWMENT CHAIR

SCHOOL CHAIRS

  • TBD

    BURTON VALLEY SCHOOL CO-CHAIR

  • Carrie Jorgenson

    Carrie Jorgenson

    BURTON VALLEY SCHOOL CO-CHAIR

  • Meredith Mandell

    HAPPY VALLEY SCHOOL CO-CHAIR

  • Hedieh Randolph

    HAPPY VALLEY SCHOOL CO-CHAIR

  • Amy Coombe

    LAFAYETTE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL CO-CHAIR

  • Trish Emerson

    LAFAYETTE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL CO-CHAIR

  • Kelly Lathrop

    SPRINGHILL SCHOOL CO-CHAIR

  • Dan Suh

    SPRINGHILL SCHOOL CO-CHAIR

  • Emily Lewis

    STANLEY SCHOOL CO-CHAIR

  • Madhvi Puri

    STANLEY SCHOOL CO-CHAIR

  • Lori MacLeod

    ACALANES SCHOOL CO-CHAIR

  • Jocelyn Werner

    ACALANES SCHOOL CO-CHAIR

MEMBERS AT LARGE

  • Scott Jeffery

    MEMBER AT LARGE

  • Arnie Katz

    MEMBER AT LARGE

  • Dave Lewis

    MEMBER AT LARGE

  • Annette McCormick

    MEMBER AT LARGE

  • Rachael Pringle

    MEMBER AT LARGE

GUESTS

  • John Nickerson

    AUHSD SUPERINTENDENT

  • Eric Shawn

    AHS PRINCIPAL

  • Brent Stephens

    LafSD SUPERINTENDENT

ADVISORY COMMITTEE

  • Rachael Pringle

    ANNUAL EVENT CO-CHAIR

  • Laura Revelli

    ANNUAL EVENT CO-CHAIR

  • Kaylin Deutscher

    ANNUAL EVENT CO-CHAIR
    RESTAURANT & RETAIL PROGRAM

  • Lauren Trudeau

    RESTAURANT & RETAIL PROGRAM

  • Kate Scharf

    RESTAURANT & RETAIL PROGRAM

  • Erin Kramer

    READ-A-THON

  • Dinesh Gomes

    COMMUNICATIONS: AGC & MD

  • Jennifer Lucas

    COMMUNICATIONS: DIGITAL & SOCIAL MEDIA

  • Laura Wehrley

    LafSD COMMITTEES (SUSTAINABILITY)

  • Moneeka Shah

    LafSD COMMITTEES (DEIB)

  • Heather Kellert

    LafSD COMMITTEES (DEIB)

LPIE STAFF

  • Danielle Gallagher

    EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

  • Gabrielle Ohleyer

    FUNDRAISING ADMINISTRATOR

  • Colleen Byrd

    EVENTS & COMMUNICATIONS COORDINATOR