PROGRESS: PAFE: Investing in education, strengthening community

As we reflect on the past year, the Panhandle Alliance for Education remains grounded in one core belief: strong schools build strong communities. Across the Lake Pend Oreille School District, we continue to see how investment in education creates opportunity, strengthens our workforce, and contributes to long-term community vitality.

This past year has been defined by both momentum and meaningful impact. Through our Early Childhood Literacy initiatives, we are working to ensure every child enters school ready to learn and is reading at grade level by third grade — a critical milestone that shapes future academic success. At the same time, our Annual Teacher Grants program continues to empower educators with resources that spark innovation in the classroom, directly benefiting hundreds of students across our district.

Student well-being remains central to our work. In partnership with the Lake Pend Oreille School District, PAFE has expanded support for the “One Trusted Adult” initiative, helping fund additional campus security as well as a dedicated behavior specialist. These investments strengthen safe, supportive learning environments and ensure students have access to the guidance and interventions they need to succeed both academically and socially.

None of this progress happens in isolation. It is made possible through the generosity and partnership of our community. Events like the Summer Gala and the Litehouse Charity Golf Classic are more than fundraisers—they reflect a community that shows up, gives back, and believes in its schools. These events help sustain our momentum and underscore a shared commitment to investing in the next generation.

PAFE continues to prioritize long-term sustainability and thoughtful stewardship. With a growing endowment and a clear strategic framework, we are positioning the organization to support students and educators not just today, but well into the future. Every investment is guided by a focus on measurable impact and alignment with the needs of our schools and community.

Looking ahead, we are energized by both the opportunities and responsibilities before us. As our region grows and evolves, so too must our approach—expanding access, strengthening partnerships, and remaining responsive to the changing needs of students, families, and educators.

The future of Bonner County is being shaped in our classrooms today. At PAFE, we are proud to stand alongside our schools and community in that work—ensuring every student has the opportunity to succeed and every educator has the support to inspire.

    A local youth works on a project that received funding from the Panhandle Alliance for Education.

Amy Longanecker is the executive director of the Panhandle Alliance for Education.