Last we heard from the Lakewood Elementary Expansion Foundation, better knows as LEEF, a group of Lakewood Elementary parents had recently launched a massive fundraising effort for much-needed updates to Lakewood Elementary, rather than wait on Dallas ISD bond money.
This month, LEEF is driving hard, trying to reach a goal of $500,000 before March 31.
“This milestone will allow us to ask DISD for a funding match that would provide the funds needed to hire architects,” according to a recent newsletter. “In addition, reaching the $500,000 threshold could potentially trigger up to $5 million more from the district to expand our school.”
LEEF spokesperson Amy Fennegan says LEEF has raised more than $300,000 since the initiative began in November, and things seems to be gearing up nicely. She believes the architectural drawings will make it easier for individuals and companies to get behind the mission and jump on board. LEEF hopes to eventually raise $15 million to fund a total overhaul of the school.
If LEEF reaches its $500,000 goal by the end of March and secures the $5 million from Dallas ISD, the school should be able to afford architectural sketches by this fall. And best case scenario is that they can start on the first phase of the project by the end of the year, although the timeline for construction is still a moving target at this point.
Learn more about the initiative and keep up with updates on their website.
