News Release June 16, 2003

From: The Okemos Education Foundation For immediate release

Contact: Mark Bashore, 517-349-8226
Date: June 16, 2003

"OKEMOS CARES" EXPECTED TO SAVE POPULAR PROGRAMS

 The Okemos Education Foundation (OEF) will present a check for approximately $230,000 to the Okemos Board of Education at its scheduled meeting tonight at 7:30 p.m.

Okemos Public Schools' Superintendent Dr. Dan C. Wertz says he will recommend that the money, raised through OEF's "Okemos Cares" community fundraising campaign, be used to maintain a popular fifth grade strings program, programs assisting gifted and talented students, middle school arts programs and high school music and guidance programs. All of these programs were slated for significant reductions or elimination due to the district's $2.33 million budget shortfall for the 2003/2004 school year.

"Okemos schools are grateful for the initiative of the many volunteers and the generous public response. The programs receiving funding help make Okemos a widely respected school system. These programs contribute to the essence of our system and all were in jeopardy," Wertz said.

The majority of the money raised was targeted by donors for specific programs and will be used to maintain those programs. Contributors aimed smaller sums at other areas including athletics, clubs, individual Okemos schools, libraries, a televised "Quiz Bowl" game show, science/math/technology and special education.

"Thanks to the concern and efforts of Okemos citizens, our students will continue to have access to programs that would have been eliminated next year," Wertz added. "Each donor of time, effort and/or funds has made an impressive contribution to the lives of Okemos students."

The Okemos Board of Education meets at 4406 Okemos Road. Its meetings are also televised live in Meridian Township on cable channel 26.