A Note of Appreciation

Mrs. Leslie Clayton Howard is stepping down as the President of the Foundation for Lower Moreland Schools after serving in this volunteer position since the Foundation’s inception, ten years ago. During her tenure, the Foundation has raised nearly $275,000 through community donations and corporate sponsorships. The funds raised have been used for special programs, teacher grants, and classroom supplies that the school district’s budget otherwise cannot provide. Some of the projects funded have included a trip for the High School Jazz Ensemble to the Swing Central Jazz Festival in Savannah, an after-school robotics program in our elementary school, and updating of the equipment in the video production centers of all three schools.

Mrs. Howard assumed the role of President at the request of Dr. Marykay Feeley, Superintendent of Schools for the District. As Dr. Feeley was looking to create a foundation in 2008, she attended meetings of the Parent-Teacher Association (PTA) to explain her vision and to ask about PTA members’ experience with fundraising. Mrs. Howard shared that her background included positions as a major gift fundraiser (>$250,000) and the Assistant Director of Development for the Medical Center at the University of Pennsylvania. Prior to that, she worked in development for the National Gallery of Art and for Johns Hopkins University. Dr. Feeley knew that, with this amazing background, Mrs. Howard was the right person for the position.

Among the many things Mrs. Howard worked on during her tenure was the Foundation’s annual signature event which serves as its major fundraiser. Mrs. Howard said, “The annual event, which would not have been possible without an amazing planning committee, brought together parents, teachers, administrators, and Board members in support of the Foundation and the District. I am most proud of the fact that the Foundation could serve as a focal point for all segments of the community to get involved in our schools and bring exciting opportunities to our students.”

Mrs. Howard resides in Huntingdon Valley with her husband, Robert, who serves on the School Board and her two school-aged children. Her oldest son, Clayton, just completed his freshman year at Dartmouth College.

On behalf of the District and the Foundation, Dr. Feeley would like to express gratitude for Mrs. Howard’s extraordinary work along with the drive, determination, and commitment to, not only establish, but maintain and grow the Foundation for Lower Moreland Schools. Her time with the Foundation will long be remembered and appreciated by the District.

If you have an interest in learning more about the Foundation, please contact Dr. Feeley at mfeeley@lmtsd.org.