History

Gresham-Barlow School Foundation (GBEF) was formed in early 1994 by a group of concerned parents, business leaders, Gresham-Barlow School District board members and staff following the merger of four school districts which had served students in the greater Gresham area for so many years. The founding members dreamed of forming an organization whose goals would be to generate funds to improve the education Gresham-Barlow students receive, enrich the lives of children, promote community responsibility to maintain and enhance its school system, and thus improve the overall quality of life in the areas of East Multnomah and North Clackamas counties. GBEF was granted its 501©3 status in July 1994.

For the past sixteen years, GBEF has supported educational excellence in our district by funding programs and resources not included in the district’s lean operating budget. Recognizing that one way to promote educational excellence is by achievement in basic competencies, the last four years foundation board members have increased their support of programs that provide opportunities for students to achieve in science, math, reading and writing. GBEF is the only district-wide group that supports all 19 schools within the Gresham-Barlow School District.