“Where it began, I can’t begin to knowing, but then I know it’s growing strong,” sang Neil Diamond in his epic song, Sweet Caroline. Unlike the famous singer, those responsible for forming the Oracle School Foundation knew exactly where it began… and indeed, it is still growing strong. The Foundation actually began as two separate entities united to accomplish a common mission: to provide financial and related support to ensure that every Oracle student has unlimited opportunity to succeed.
The initial impetus for the Foundation started with Linda Lyon, who gathered together a team of visionary women in December 2013. She called the effort Vision 2020 and the mission is reflected in the present mission of the Foundation. In January of 2014, the group met with Dennis Blauser, Superintendent , for guidance about district needs. At the same time that Linda and her group were forging ahead, Alan and Betsy Levenson were on a similar path. Alan had begun tutoring first graders in the Oracle district and he vividly recalls how he felt as he passed the trailer park where most of his students lived. He wondered if these kids would ever have a chance to succeed given that most were impoverished and had limited language skills because Spanish was their first language. Alan’s motivation for doing something for Oracle students was based on empathy. His spouse, Betsy, was also motivated to make a difference, but her drive came from altruism and the importance of “giving back” to the community.
Linda’s group and Alan and Betsy joined forces early in 2014, and held several planning sessions in March and April 2014 to begin researching how to establish a Foundation. The group asked Ed Hartman, an Oracle resident and retired university professor, to be their first President. Other board members included Alan Levenson as Vice President, Richard Borland as Treasurer, Maria Menconi as Secretary, Elizabeth Tilley representing OSD parents, Linda Lyon as the OSD board representative, and non-voting member and school superintendent Dennis Blauser. Betsy Levenson, a former teacher with a passion for education and a background in leadership training and non-profit management, led the group in a series of strategic planning sessions. As a result of these sessions, the group decided that they would focus on kindergarten prep. In Betsy’s words, “Early childhood education offers the biggest bang for the buck.”
Thanks to the hard work of board members and Betsy’s leadership with strategic planning, the Foundation received their Certificate of Good Standing with the Arizona Corporation Commission in February 2015, their Employer Identification Number from the IRS in April 2015, and approval as a 501(c) (3). Over the span of 10 years, the Foundation has not only funded kindergarten prep, but we have contributed to educational trips, reading programs, hot spots for internet access during the pandemic, teacher appreciation events, mini grants to help teachers fund special projects and much more. Without the support of so many of our champions we would not be able to contribute to so many worthwhile programs.
Today, the Foundation continues to grow, raising some money through grants, but primarily through the annual Gala dinner and auction, which this year will be held at the MountainView Ballroom on Saturday, March 15. Mark your calendars now and be sure to check the website (oracleschoolsfoundation.com) by Sunday, January 5, 2025, to sign up for the event. The last two years have been sold out early, so, don’t procrastinate! We want you to help us celebrate ten years of making a difference for kids in Oracle!
New Tucson lounge to embrace dark and cozy
