Our Team
Working Together for Bellingham’s Students
Behind every program we fund and every student we support is a team of people working to make it happen. Our staff and board members bring their talents, expertise, and deep commitment to helping Bellingham’s students reach their full potential.
Our Staff
Alison Schepper
Programs and Administrative Manager
alison@bellinghamschoolsfoundation.org
Sondra Matara
Communications & Business Outreach Manager
sondra@bellinghamschoolsfoundation.org
Our Board
Corey Chaplin
Leslie Hazlewood-Spurr
Kate Kershner
Eve Larner
Leeza Lorence
Stephanie Morrell
Courtney Muraski
Chris Schepper, President
Auden Schilder
Ex-Officio Members:
Sam Gearhart, BPSF Executive Director
Greg Baker, Superintendent
Are you looking for a way to contribute to the Bellingham community?
Help ensure every child in Bellingham feels healthy, engaged, supported, and challenged. The Bellingham Public Schools Foundation (BPSF) bridges the gap between basic state education funding and the resources needed to fulfill the Bellingham School District’s vision for academic excellence, as outlined in The Bellingham Promise.
We are seeking individuals with diverse leadership and professional experience to serve on our volunteer Board of Trustees. Board members guide our mission, ensure strong governance, and partner with staff to strengthen fundraising, programs, and community relationships.
Board terms are three years, with an average commitment of one meeting per month plus committee or event participation. If you’re passionate about public education and ready to make a lasting impact, we encourage you to apply.
Responsibilities of the Board of Trustees
The Board of Trustees works collectively to:
- Define and uphold BPSF’s mission, vision, and values.
- Develop strategic goals and set program priorities.
- Ensure the organization has the financial resources to achieve its mission.
- Protect the organization’s fiscal health through regular financial review.
- Maintain legal and ethical accountability.
- Strengthen public awareness and support for BPSF’s work.
- Select, support, and evaluate the executive director.
- Recruit, develop, and evaluate board membership.
Responsibilities of Individual Board Members
Governance
- Understand BPSF’s mission, services, and impact in the community.
- Stay informed by reviewing reports and engaging with staff.
- Support board decisions and maintain confidentiality.
- Follow through on commitments and uphold fiduciary duties.
Financial Contribution
- Make an annual gift at a personally meaningful level (there is no minimum, but it is important to demonstrate to the community 100% board participation).
- Assist with fundraising by identifying, cultivating, or soliciting donors.
Participation
- Attend at least 80% of board meetings.
- Serve on at least one committee.
- Volunteer for assignments and complete them on time.
- Participate in BPSF events and initiatives.
- Help identify and recruit new board members.
- Foster a positive, collaborative board culture.
Promotion
- Serve as an ambassador for BPSF in the community.
- Use personal and professional networks to build awareness and support.