The Panhandle Alliance for Education was formed in 2002 by a small group of citizens concerned about their public schools. The group met over the summer of 2002, outlining the scope, purpose and goals of an independent school foundation. The organization was incorporated in the State of Idaho as The Panhandle Alliance for Education, Inc., and has applied to the Internal Revenue Service for status as a tax-exempt, non-profit, 501(c)(3) organization. The Board of Directors held its initial meeting in Sandpoint on December 4, 2002, elected officers and adopted corporation Bylaws. \n"); document.write("
The Panhandle Alliance is modeled after local education foundations created over the last 15 years in thousands of communities across the United States. A common goal is to support public schools in our communities by raising money to enhance taxpayer-financed programs. A common focus is on quality education that raises achievement levels of all students. \n"); document.write("
In its first seven years, the Alliance has made teacher and school grants totaling more than $1,000,000. Every school in the Lake Pend Oreille School District has received more one grant including the Sandpoint Charter School. The grants are made annually in the spring. Also in its first six years, the Alliance has built a $1,100,000 endowment and has been the beneficiary of a $100,000 endowment for art, music and general education.