submitted by Olympia School District Education Foundation
The Olympia School District Education Foundation (OSDEF) is proud to announce the selection of Olympia native Katy Johansson as its first executive director. Johansson, a product of the Olympia School District and an alumna of Capital High School, brings her passion for area schools and experience in K-12 education to the position.
As a math intervention paraeducator at Hansen Elementary, Johansson says she has seen the power of the foundation at work in her own school.
“I am excited to lead and promote an organization for which I have so much esteem,” said Johansson. “I’ve persuaded teachers on several occasions to apply for a Teaching and Learning grant to purchase books or classroom supplies that Hansen’s PTO could not finance. Last fall, I observed the Principal’s Emergency Fund in action when I accompanied my principal on a grocery shopping trip for a Hansen family in need,” she said. “I’ve heard stories from former Hansen students who, once they move across the street to Marshall, are improving in and liking math – thanks to the foundation’s Middle School Math Tutoring program. And I’ve led fifth-graders on their first-ever hike at Cispus, also funded by OSDEF, “she added.
“I truly believe the OSDEF’s programs are enriching and, in many cases, transforming students’ lives.”
In addition to her work as a paraeducator, Johansson also serves on the board of the Capital City Marathon Association, the Capital High School Foundation and is a parent volunteer at Hansen Elementary.
“We could not be more thrilled to have Katy on board as our first executive director,” said incoming OSDEF Board President Kelsey Christensen-Abel. “Katy brings a unique mix of local roots, first-hand experience in Olympia K-12 classrooms and, most importantly, her enthusiasm for our organization and where we are headed. Her understanding of our school district, along with its teachers and leaders, is a tremendous asset as we look to expand the foundation’s programs.”
Johansson will conclude her employment with the district on June 24 and will begin her new position with the foundation on July 1.
The Olympia School District Education Foundation is a 501 (c)(3) charitable organization that provides programs and services to students and partners with teachers to enhance educational success and promote learning for all Olympia School District students. OSDEF accomplishes this through five different initiatives: the Principal’s Emergency Fund; OSD Teaching & Learning Grants; wreath sales that support outdoor education at Cispus Learning Center; the Middle School Math Tutoring Program; and the Performing Arts Initiative.
To learn more about OSDEF and each of these initiatives, follow the foundation on Facebook, on Instagram or visit the website at www.osdef.org.
