Removing Barriers So Every Child Is Ready To Learn

About Us

The Foundation for Vancouver Public Schools is an independent, 501(c)3 educational non-profit corporation established in 1988 by Dr. Jim Parsley, VPS Superintendent (1980 to 2002). Dr. Parsley saw what students came to school “without” and established the Foundation to help meet those needs.

The Foundation supports students across all 40 Vancouver Public Schools (VPS) through the generous donations from school employees, parents, students, community members and businesses. The Foundation is governed by a volunteer Board of Directors made up of business, community and education leaders.

Our Commitment to Equity and Inclusion

The Foundation for Vancouver Public Schools is committed to listen and take action around safety and social justice to ensure a more equitable and inclusive future for all students. In the coming months, we will be taking steps to further define how this will be included in our organization for permanent change. We invite you to join us in our shared commitment to this valuable work.

Mission

The Foundation for Vancouver Public Schools provides essential resources and opportunities for students to reach their full potential, through collaboration and partnership with our community, students, families, and VPS staff.

Vision

Our students enjoy their educational journey and have the resources to fully realize their aspirations.

Thank You to Our Board

2024-25 Board of Directors

Board Officers:

Jeff Fisher | American Family Insurance – President
Amy Reeves | OnPoint Credit Union – Vice-President
Dan Medak | iQ Credit Union – Treasurer
Sara Elkins | Community Member – Secretary

Members:​

Nick Alexander | Vancouver Wills and Trusts
Jamie Anderson | Vancouver Education Association*
Tracie Barrows | VPS Board Member*
Dr. Ileana Bembenek | Ivy Wellness Clinic
Amonique Brown | Nike
Samuel Crawford | WSUV Student & VPS Graduate
Esteban Delgadillo | VPS Middle School Principal*
Michael Florea | Columbia Credit Union
Yolanda Frazier | Wellpoint
Shanda Haluapo | Clark College
Trevor Hayward | Hayward Uskoski and Associates, Inc.
Mike Hill | Edward Jones
Joy Johnson | eXp Realty
Rebecca Kempton | Vancouver PTA* 

Spencer Oien | US Bank
Bill Oman | Executive Dir. of Teaching & Learning, VPS*
Felisciana Peralta | Puget Sound ESD
Val Seeley | VPS High School Principal*
Sue Simon | LakeShore Design Studio
Dr. Jeffery Snell | Superintendent, VPS*
Melle Soles | VPS Elementary School Principal*
Jenny Thompson | Executive Director, FVPS*
Kelly Usselman | Community Member
Nicole Vigil | Vancouver Police Department
Lori Wick | Umpqua Bank
Naleigha Williams | LSW Architects
Sandra Zavala-Ortega | VPS Board Member*

*Ex-Officio 

Our Staff

Jenny Thompson
Executive Director
360.313.4723
Jenny.Thompson@vansd.org

Timothea Sutton
Director of Strategic Partnerships
360.313.4725
Timothea.Sutton@vansd.org

Lisa Haberthur
Director of Finance
360.313.4726
Lisa.Haberthur@vansd.org

Kamani Velez
Development Associate
360.313.4730
Kamani.Velez@vansd.org

Leah Middleton
Communications Coordinator
360.313.4732
Leah.Middleton@vansd.org

Shari Gomez
Accounting Clerk
360.313.4735
Shari.Gomez@vansd.org