Norman Public School Foundation

Non-profit supports public school students, honors long-time supporters

In 1984, 78 community leaders each invested $1,000 as seed money to start the Norman Public School Foundation, a non-profit organization designed to enhance educational experiences for students in Norman Public Schools.

“The foundation was designed to support students and we do that by supporting our teachers too,” said Executive Director Alesha Leemaster. “When teachers have innovative ideas, we can help make them a reality.”

Since its inception, the Foundation has invested nearly $3 million in schools through its classroom grants program. Over the years, grants have purchased a variety of instructional materials and classroom tools including a mini PCR lab, 3D printers, weather forecasting equipment, a slab roller for art projects, supplies for a pollinator garden, digital microscopes and even specialized kitchen equipment for students with special needs.

“The science behind what teachers are doing and what takes place inside classrooms today is pretty amazing,” said Jim Wade, board member-at-large for the Foundation’s board of directors. “The opportunities kids have access to thanks to these grants is incredible.”

NPS teachers and administrators can apply for classroom enhancements each semester and grants are awarded through a blind selection process.

“The grants show teachers how much the community supports what they do,” said Leemaster. “It is affirmation of the good work our teachers are doing. They are so excited, and the kids are too.”

In the first year of the grant program, Leemaster said the foundation awarded $13,000 in teacher grants. This year that total has grown to $250,000. Additionally, the Foundation also supports district initiatives like the NPS Learning Bus and scholarships for summer enrichment camps for students who qualify for free or reduced lunch.

Leemaster confirmed that the Foundation’s efforts have been made possible because of years of strong community support.

“We are able to invest in our students because of the incredible board of directors, past and present, and community members that support the Foundation, people who have donated their time, finances and passion,” she said.

Wade said he was inspired to get involved with the Foundation because of the priority placed on cultivating opportunities for young people in Norman.

Jenny Dakil, second from left, and Randy Laffoon, right, at a charity golf tournament for the Foundation.

“What the foundation has grown into over the years is pretty exciting,” he said. “Kids are building robots in elementary school. They are exploring Oklahoma weather and even learning about sound using microphones.”

As a celebration of that forward-thinking legacy, each year, the Foundation honors an impactful supporter during their annual Hall of Honor event. This May, the Foundation is honoring two long-time contributors, Jenny Dakil and Randy Laffoon. They join the ranks among other Hall of Honor recipients such as Sherri Coale, Dr. Joseph Siano and Bob Barry Jr.

Jenny Dakil, the 2022 Hall of Honor honoree, received one of the first teacher grants in the early years of the Foundation. Dakil, an NPS teacher at the time, soon became a Foundation volunteer. She then joined the board of directors before eventually becoming the executive director, a position she held for many years.

“Jenny grew the foundation from its infancy to what it is today,” Leemaster said. “She has been a role model across the state when other districts decided to start a foundation. She is called upon quite a bit and she continues to be a mentor and friend, someone I really admire.”

Wade said he is inspired by Dakil’s dedication to enhancing educational opportunities for Norman students.

“Jenny never lost her passion to help kids in our community,” he said. “The book Good Night Norman was her idea. It was a great fundraiser and a great example of who Jenny is.”

Dakil co-wrote the book with Audra Perry Plummer and it was illustrated by Norman art teachers.

The Foundation is also honoring Randy Laffoon, posthumously, as the 2021 honoree. Laffoon joined the Foundation’s board of directors in 2001 and continued to serve until his passing in 2020.

“Randy was a visionary,” Leemaster said. “He was one of our greatest ambassadors and served several terms as president. His tenure shows how much he cared about helping students.”

Wade said that Laffoon was “always the first in line to help.”

“It wasn’t just for the Foundation either, Randy would never say no if it involved giving kids an opportunity. He wanted to make sure positive things happened,” he said.

The presenting sponsor of this year’s Hall of Honor event is Riverwind Casino. The event, happening on May 10, will be live streamed on the Foundation’s YouTube channel.

To learn more about the Foundation’s work and how to get involved, visit npsfok.org. – BS