About PAFE
The Lake Pend Oreille School District’s biggest fan club.
Panhandle Alliance for Education is an independent, community-based foundation. Our mission: to promote excellence in education and broad-based community support for the Lake Pend Oreille School District.
Why we do this
Public education is fundamental to a thriving community. When our schools are strong, Sandpoint is too.
We fill the gaps
State funding doesn’t cover everything students need. PAFE helps educators get the resources that make learning come alive.
Birth through graduation
Our three core programs — early childhood literacy, teacher grants and strategic initiatives — serve students at every stage.
The district leads
We fund what the district and its educators identify as needed, not donor priorities.
Strong schools, strong town
Great schools help Sandpoint attract and keep healthcare providers, professionals and skilled workers.
Our story
- 2002 — A small group of citizens concerned about local public schools forms PAFE. The first board meeting is held December 4.
- 2003 — The first teacher grants are awarded and the annual awards celebration begins.
- 2012 — In its first decade, PAFE builds an endowment of more than $4 million.
- 2018 — Born to Read begins giving reading kits to new parents at Bonner General Health.
- 2023 — The endowment fully covers overhead, so 100% of donations go to classrooms.
- 2025 — Teacher grants pass 886 awards and $2.2 million since 2003.
Our team
Staff and a volunteer board of local citizens, business leaders and educators.
[Name]
Executive Director
[Name]
[Title]
[Name]
Board Chair
[Name]
[Board role]
Accountability
Contact us
Mail
P.O. Box 1675
Sandpoint, ID 83864
Phone
(208) 263-7040
Email
[info@panhandlealliance.org]
