WHAT A
One Gift, 100 Families
In January 2025, we received a deeply meaningful gift of $25,000 from a donor honoring his late wife’s lifelong passion for public education. Though she passed away before she could formalize her wishes, her husband made sure her love for Lincoln’s students lived on directing $20,000 to the Foundation’s Student Emergency Fund and $5,000 to Spark Summer Learning. With families able to access up to $200 annually through the Emergency Fund, this single gift reached over 100 LPS families. It is a testament to what generosity looks like when love for a community outlasts a lifetime.
Natalia Wiita
Named New President of the
Foundation for Lincoln Public Schools
In February, the Foundation for Lincoln Public Schools experienced a significant moment of transition and opportunity with the appointment of Natalia Wiita as president. A seasoned executive and dedicated community advocate, Wiita brought more than 25 years of experience in Lincoln, along with deep expertise in leadership, strategic planning, and community engagement.
Throughout her career, Wiita has built a strong reputation for driving growth and fostering meaningful connections across sectors. She most recently served as the founder of Fractional Business Solutions, where she provided consulting services focused on strategic planning, marketing innovation, and operational excellence. Prior to that, she spent nearly two decades at the Lincoln Journal Star, ultimately serving as president and publisher. In that role, she led her team in achieving ambitious performance goals while advancing strategic initiatives that strengthened community engagement. Her work also included helping to launch the Inspire Awards and Inspire Girls program, to celebrate leadership and empower the next generation.
Jan/Feb MARCH
James Walbridge, who served as board chair at the time of Wiita’s hiring, shared, “We are thrilled to welcome Natalia Wiita as the new president of the Foundation for Lincoln Public Schools. Her deep understanding of our community, extensive leadership experience, and passion for education make her the ideal person to lead the Foundation into its next chapter.”
Wiita’s transition into the role of president marked an important step forward for the Foundation. Having previously served on the board, she brought a strong understanding of the organization’s mission and a deep appreciation for its impact on students and educators across Lincoln Public Schools.
“I am honored and excited to serve as the president of the Foundation for Lincoln Public Schools,” said Wiita. “Having served on the board, I have seen firsthand the Foundation’s incredible impact. I look forward to working alongside the board, staff, and community to further our mission and ensure that all Lincoln Public Schools students have the opportunity to succeed.”
Her leadership signaled both continuity and momentum, building on the Foundation’s strong history while positioning it for continued growth, innovation, and expanded community impact in the years ahead.
2025 Inspire School of the Year Park Middle School NAMED
At Park Middle School, every day is an opportunity to see potential, nurture growth, and celebrate achievement. In March of 2025, that dedication was recognized in a big way: Park was named the 2025 Inspire School of the Year by the Foundation for Lincoln Public Schools, the highest honor given to an LPS school or program. Along with this distinction, Park received $5,000 for its Fund for Excellence, supporting initiatives that make a tangible difference for students and staff alike.
“I am so proud that Park has been awarded the 2025 Inspire School of the Year,” said Principal Charlotte Everts.
“This honor reflects the dedication and creativity of our amazing staff, who work tirelessly to support our students’ success and well-being. Most importantly, it sends a message to our students: your efforts, individuality, and potential are seen, valued, and celebrated. I am grateful every day to work with this incredible community.”
Park’s continued commitment goes beyond academics. Teachers and staff intentionally designed programs to meet students’ social, emotional, and academic needs, creating an environment where every student can thrive. Through restorative practices, targeted interventions, and inclusive extracurricular opportunities, students feel supported, connected, and empowered to succeed.
Aligned with the 2024-29 LPS strategic plan, Park has prioritized student well-being and outcomes. Counseling services, peer mentorship, after-school academic supports, Social Academic Instructional Groups (SAIG), and community outreach programs all work together to ensure students feel safe and valued—even during times
A few examples of Park’s innovative approach over the past year:
School Ambassador Program: Incoming students receive guided support to navigate their new school environment with confidence.
English Learner (EL) Prosocial Learning Pilot: Targeted lessons help students build essential skills for success in and out of the classroom.
Community Resource Fair: Families gain direct access to local organizations and services during parent/teacher conferences.
Hair Care Station: In partnership with a local church, students have access to hairstyling products to feel confident and focus on learning.
School Store: Students earn “Panther Paws” for positive behavior and academic achievement, which they can redeem for fun items and activities.
Together, these programs reflect the heart of Park Middle School: a school where students are not only supported academically but also celebrated as individuals, prepared for success, and connected to a community that truly values them.
Park Middle School is undeniably deserving of the 2025 Inspire School of the Year Award. The dedication of Park’s educators and staff is nothing short of extraordinary, creating meaningful impact both inside and outside the classroom. Their data-driven approach, unwavering commitment to student success, and deep collaboration with the Lincoln community set a powerful example of what’s possible in education. Lincoln’s schools are among the best, and at the Foundation, we are honored to support every school, educator, and student as they continue to achieve excellence.
Natalia Wiita President of
the Foundation for LPS
Inspire Student and Staff of the Year
While the Foundation honors one school for academic distinction, we are also privileged to celebrate the individuals who truly inspire their campuses. Each year, principals and their staff select one student and one staff member to be recognized as their school’s ‘Inspire’ winners. In addition to the honor of this title, winners receive a celebration bag filled with a certificate and gifts from our wonderful sponsors. Celebrating these individuals is a reminder that one person in the halls of an entire school can make a difference.
Scan to discover the complete list of inspiring staff and student winners and learn more about their contributions.
The Foundation for Lincoln Public Schools Educator Awards celebrate the exceptional professionals who make a lasting impact across the district. Each year, educators are nominated by colleagues, supervisors, mentors, and parents for their dedication, innovation, and leadership in areas ranging from academics and the arts to multicultural education and student support. These awards recognize a wide range of roles, including teachers, counselors, nurses, and administrators, highlighting the many ways staff members inspire students and strengthen their school communities.
Through the Educator Awards, recipients are not only honored for their excellence but are also given a monetary prize to support their continued professional and personal growth. Made possible by generous private donors, these awards reflect the community’s commitment to investing in the people who shape the future of Lincoln’s students. By elevating these outstanding educators each year, the Foundation reinforces part of our mission, to empower educators.
A City Rallies for Its Students The Power of the Leaderboard:
There is a specific kind of electricity that hums through Lincoln during the month of May and the 24 hours of Give to Lincoln Day. At the Foundation for Lincoln Public Schools, we’ve always known our community cares deeply for its kids, but this year, we decided to put that theory to the ultimate test. We set an ambitious, “all-hands-on-deck” goal, challenging our board, our staff, and our neighbors to show up for our schools like never before.
The result wasn’t just a successful fundraiser; it was a masterclass in community spirit. From the moment the clock struck midnight, the Foundation took a commanding spot at the top of the city-wide leaderboard. That momentum didn’t fade. For 24 straight hours, we remained a fixture in the top ten, fueled by a steady stream of donations from across the city. Whether it was a $10 gift from a classroom teacher or a significant contribution from a long-time supporter, each notification was a reminder that the success of our students is a shared priority.
By the end of the day, we had shattered our previous records, raising over $180,000. While the number itself is historic, the true impact lives in what those funds represent: more shoes for students who need them, more innovative technology in our classrooms, and a louder-than-ever message to our educators that Lincoln has their backs. It was our most successful Give to Lincoln Day to date, proving that when we set a goal for our students, this community doesn’t just meet it—it exceeds it with heart.
Expanding Spark Lincoln Learning:
Middle School Technology
Camp
For years, Holmes Elementary School has been home to Spark Summer Learning. Last summer, the energy expanded as middle school students filled the halls for the Foundation for Lincoln Public Schools’ inaugural Spark Middle School Tech Camp.
Addie and Vera, then soon-to-be seventh graders at Moore Middle School and Pound Middle School, huddled over a checklist as they mapped out scenes for their short film. Where should the tripod go? Would an external microphone improve the sound?
Their
Over two sessions in June and July, students dove into coding, digital art, and videography. Some experimented with storyboards and film equipment for the first time; others arrived with experience but left with deeper confidence. Regardless of their starting point, every student was encouraged to imagine what might be possible.
For Vera and Addie, the experience was as much about friendship as it was filmmaking. After meeting on the first day, they quickly bonded and began developing a multiscene movie about two girls at school. What began as uncertainty evolved into pride as they edited their final product together, discovering how small creative decisions add up to something meaningful.
Scott Middle School teacher Mark Danley, who led the videography sessions, guided students through planning, scripting, filming, editing, and publishing. Students began to see themselves as producers, storytellers, and problemsolvers.
The Foundation launched the camp after years of success with its elementary programs, recognizing a gap in summer enrichment opportunities for older students—an age when interests begin to solidify, and confidence can flourish with the right support.
Foundation Director of Engagement Kayla Jacox noted that career exploration was a driving force behind the expansion. By introducing students to coding, robotics, and digital media early, the camp helps open doors to future pathways.
Foundation board member Guy Trainin, Professor of Education at the Department of Teaching, Learning, and Teacher Education at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, emphasized that the initiative represents more than a summer activity, providing meaningful access to technology education during a pivotal developmental period.
“Some discover their passion through coding logic, others through visual storytelling in videography, or through hands-on robotics problem solving,” Trainin said. “This approach acknowledges that technological literacy develops through multiple pathways.”
As Vera and Addie prepared to share their finished film, they carried with them something lasting: new skills, new friendships, and new confidence.
The premiere year of Spark Middle School Tech Camp proved that when students are given access, encouragement, and opportunity, their creativity takes center stage. Through experiences like this, the Foundation for Lincoln Public Schools continues to invest in students’ potential, helping them see that every door is open and that they have the tools to walk through whichever one they choose.
42,282 2,895 6,824
At Lakeview Elementary’s Community Learning Center (CLC), learning doesn’t stop when the school day ends. Each morning and afternoon, students participate in a blend of STEM-based educational enrichment, recreation, and physical activity, centered around a monthly theme.
Recently, that theme took students far beyond Earth.
During a unit on the solar system, CLC students dove into research on planets, exploring their sizes, temperatures, atmospheres, and even debating whether life could exist on them. Thanks to a Fund a Need request fulfilled by a generous community donor, students were able to use iPads to explore the solar system.
Fund a Need is the Foundation for Lincoln Public Schools’ crowdfunding platform that allows teachers and school staff to request funding for classroom projects, resources, and experiences that enhance student learning. Educators submit requests for specific needs, and community members can choose to directly support the projects that matter most to them, turning generosity into real, immediate impact for LPS students.
Learning doesn’t stand still, and neither do students’ learning methods. As our world becomes more digital, that’s where Fund a Need makes a real difference.
Lakeview’s CLC Site Community Coordinator, Gina Benne, put it simply, “Things like Fund a Need are so needed. As a before-and-after school program, we would not be able to make a purchase like this without help.”
With access to iPads, learning feels more flexible and engaging.
That access has made a noticeable difference in engagement. For example, students might be given a prompt like: Create a poster of a planet with a picture and five facts. With the iPads, they independently researched their planet, gathered information, drew illustrations, and then proudly shared their work with the group.
The iPads also open the door for learning beyond the CLC, building skills students can use in school and life.
Educators know better than anyone what their students need to succeed. That’s why requesting support through the Foundation’s Fund a Need platform is intentionally simple.
When Gina learned the request was fully funded, the excitement was immediate, but the best moment came later. “Instead of telling students right away that the iPads were purchased, I told students we had a fun activity planned.” Brand-new iPads, just for them. The reactions said it all: “Really? These are brand new and they’re for us?” and “Whoa, you got us iPads?”
Moments like these are exactly why Fund a Need exists.
To the donor who made this possible: your generosity is felt every day in the excitement, creativity, and discovery happening at Lakeview’s Community Learning Center. You helped open new worlds for students, and that impact will last far beyond this unit on the solar system.
Opportunities like Fund a Need remind us what’s possible when a community comes together for students. When needs extend beyond what traditional funding can cover, generosity steps in, and learning soars.
Celebrating
OF THE CAREER ACADEMY
Emergency Support When It Mattered Most Meeting the Moment:
This fall marked a major milestone for The Career Academy (TCA): ten years of transforming how students in Lincoln prepare for college and future careers.
Launched in 2015 through a visionary partnership between Lincoln Public Schools and Southeast Community College, TCA has provided thousands of students with the chance to explore high-demand career pathways while earning both high school and college credit. These opportunities save families thousands in tuition and give students a powerful head start toward their futures.
To commemorate the anniversary, TCA and the Foundation for Lincoln Public Schools hosted a 10th-anniversary open house, welcoming more than 120 students, families, alumni, partners, and supporters.
“It was so much fun interacting with partners, families, and former staff as we celebrated 10 years of partnership and success at The Career Academy,” said TCA Director Joshua Jones. “Our growth and success would not be possible without the continued partnership of the Foundation.”
Guests experienced TCA’s hands-on learning environment firsthand, from culinary students preparing hors d’oeuvres, to construction and welding students demonstrating their craft. Student ambassadors from each pathway had the opportunity to speak about how their program has shaped their interests and goals. A silent auction featured studentmade projects ranging from a whole storage shed to custom cutting boards, hammers, yard signs, and catered lunches, each demonstrating the hands-on learning happening daily at TCA.
“TCA was built on the idea that students deserve to ‘test drive their future,’” said Jones. “Thanks to our donors and business partners, students earn valuable college credit and gain real-world skills and experiences that prepare them for life after graduation.”
What sets TCA apart is its strong connection to the business community. More than 150 professionals serve on pathway support teams, advising, mentoring, and even
offering internships. Industry support has also provided students with state-of-the-art tools and equipment. With 16 career pathways, including health sciences, engineering, information technology, skilled trades, business, and education, students graduate ready to meet critical workforce needs while building confidence in their abilities.
“TCA provides great experiences in the classroom with an amazing curriculum through SCC, but sometimes we can go above and beyond because of the Foundation’s support,” Jones added. “More opportunities in the classroom, scholarship support, and the exposure to experiences they might not otherwise get, all thanks to the financial support we get in partnership with the Foundation for LPS.”
“Over ten years ago, the Foundation for Lincoln Public Schools was proud to support the launch of The Career Academy, working alongside donors and community leaders who believed in giving students every opportunity to succeed,” said Natalia Wiita, President of the Foundation for LPS. “Today, we are focused on building even more partnerships with local businesses to continue celebrating student success and preparing the next generation of leaders, innovators, and skilled professionals for our community.”
Thank you to our Champion Pathway sponsors, Bison, Clever-Brooks, Crete Carrier, and Willmar Electric. Your support will help us continue to support student success at TCA.
In early November, as federal decisions led to a pause in SNAP benefits, families across our community felt the impact almost immediately. For many, it wasn’t a gradual strain; it was a sudden gap at the kitchen table, at the gas pump, and in the ability to cover basic, everyday needs.
At the Foundation for Lincoln Public Schools, we had seen this pattern before.
During COVID-19, requests for emergency support surged as families navigated uncertainty. What we anticipated would be a moment in time has instead become a sustained and growing need. Each year since, more students and families have turned to the Foundation for help meeting urgent, short-term challenges.
Through our Student Emergency Fund, we can provide up to $200 per family per year. This is support that often looks like grocery gift cards, help with utility bills, gas to get to work, or assistance covering rent. It’s designed to be quick, flexible, and responsive to what families need most in the moment. But this year, the need outpaced even our expectations.
When the fund opened the first week of school in August with $36,000 available, we expected it to carry us into the fall. Instead, it was fully depleted in just three weeks. During the 24-25 school year, the Foundation distributed $210,154 in emergency funds. Reaching 17% of that total in just three weeks was a clear and urgent signal that more families than ever are facing immediate financial hardship.
So we got to work. As November approached, we knew Thanksgiving would bring additional pressure for families already stretched thin. At the same time, the pause in SNAP benefits intensified the situation, creating an immediate and critical need for food and basic support.
With the help of generous local grantors and donors who recognized the urgency of the need, we launched a focused emergency fundraising effort. In a matter of weeks, that collective response raised more than $90,000, allowing us to reopen the Student Emergency Fund just before Thanksgiving. The timing mattered. The impact mattered.
Because behind every request is a student whose ability to learn is directly connected to their family’s stability and a community willing to step in when it counts most.
December
Through the Klein Family Helpen Award Celebrating New Teachers
At the Foundation for Lincoln Public Schools, we have the pleasure of supporting educators throughout the school year, but some celebrations feel especially meaningful.
This past December, in collaboration with the Lincoln Public Schools Human Resources team, we honored seven outstanding teachers just before the holiday break. Each was recognized as a recipient of the Klein Family Helpen New Teacher Award, which supports new educators at Title I schools.
The name “Helpen” is no accident. Longtime Foundation for LPS donors Kevin and Tomi Klein chose the word in recognition of their Dutch heritage — helpen is Dutch for “helper.” And what better word to describe the educators who shape our community? They are helpers: guiding the next generation, mentoring their peers, and creating safe and loving spaces where students can thrive.
The Kleins established this award out of deep personal appreciation for the teaching profession. Kevin and Tomi’s family was full of dedicated educators. Their sister spent 33 years as a kindergarten teacher, regularly using her own money to purchase supplies she knew her students needed. Her husband taught and served as a school counselor for 34 years. Another sister served as a high school secretary for 22 years, and she, too, reached into her own pocket whenever she saw a need go unmet.
“Their dedication inspired us to want to help teachers,” shared the Kleins.
Kevin and Tomi are business owners here in Lincoln, and all three of their children attended Lincoln Public Schools. Education, particularly at the primary level, has always been central to who they are. This fund was created specifically to encourage and support beginning teachers as they find their footing.
“We hope helping teachers will also benefit their students,” said the Kleins.
Financials
EXPENSES
Programs, Scholarships, Grants & Awards: $4,605,349*
General Admin: $482,141
Fundraising: $194,863
Total Disbursed: $5,282,353
*$2M+ distributed in 2025 through the Fielding Dreams Campaign—completing key investments from prior years of fundraising.
We are deeply grateful to the following individuals and their families who chose to honor their memory by including the Foundation for LPS as a beneficiary of their memorial gifts.
Their commitment to education will continue to inspire and empower LPS students: In Memory Of
Boswell
Luella Buse John Campbell Anne Forch
Paul Forch
Norma Huetson
Clarence Johnson
Susan Johnson
Ruth Ann Lyness
Kathy Mueller
INCOME
Contributions: $1,593,121
Invested Income: $1,052,943
Grants: $209,892
Programs/Other: $188,599
Total Received: $3,044,590
Phillip Ness
Derek Sailors
Coni Schwartz
Deborah Sesow
Dee Svoboda
Larry Sypho
Heather VanCleave
Mark Watt
Jan Weyhrauch
Josephine Wolff
Current Board Officers
Dr. Kris Baack Ph.D. // Chair
Alex Cassidy // Chair-Elect
Trent Fellers // Secretary
Andy Martz // Treasurer
James Walbridge // Past Chair
Current Board Members
Dr. Amy Clark
Patrick Beans
Mo Boyd
Ginna Claussen
Brent Comstock
Draper Daniel
Betsy Grindlay
Craig Haszard
Nancy Hove-Graul
Dr. Marilyn Johnson-Farr
John Laflin
Jeffrey Owusu-Ansah
Deb Rasmussen
Dr. John Skretta
Mike Tavlin
Dr. J.J. Toczek
Guy Trainin
Russ Uhing
John Wirtz
Sarah Wischhof
Thank you to our 24-25 organizational partners!*
The Foundation for LPS thanks these partners who are opening doors for our kids–today and tomorrow.
See the individuals who gave $250+ in 2024-2025 at: foundationforlps.org
Acklie Charitable Foundation
Ameritas Charitable Foundation
April’s Kids
Assurity Life Foundation
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Nebraska
BOLD Charitable Giving Fund
Chesterman Co.
D F Dillon Foundation
Dolezal Family Foundation
Hugo A. and Thelma Aspegren Trust
James Huntington Foundation
James Stuart III Family Foundation
John C. & Catherine S. Angle
Charitable Trust
Krieger Family Foundation
Labcorp Charitable Foundation
Lancaster County Community Corrections
Lancaster County Human Services
Lee and Debbie Stuart Family Foundation
Lincoln Babe Ruth Baseball Association
Lincoln Community Foundation
Lincoln Industries
Mark T. & Margaret L. Seacrest Family Charitable Foundation
MidwayUSA Foundation Inc.
Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services
Nextera Energy
Olsson
Olsson Family Foundation
Pace Woods Foundation
Pinnacle Bank
Robert D. Carstens Charitable Trust
Rogers Foundation
Schmieding Foundation Inc.
TeamMates of Nebraska
The Brown Family Foundation
The Hampton Family Foundation
Union Bank & Trust Company
Valentino’s
Zoetis, Global Manufacturing & Supply
*These partners supported at a level of $2,500+