Our Mission

To bring parents, communities and corporations together to provide a world-class learning environment in Lakewood, equipped with state-of-the-art technology and the highest safety standards so that students can reach their full potential.

Progress To Date

In 2014, LEEF raised over $500,000 from the Lakewood community and other donors to help fund a much needed addition and renovation to Lakewood Elementary.  LEEF has provided a strong unified voice that ensured Lakewood’s facility needs were heard by the District.  This proactive approach helped bring to light not only Lakewood's needs but also those of other schools throughout DISD in similar circumstances.  The result was the Bridge Financing Plan.  On March 26th 2015, the Bridge Plan was unanimously approved by the Board of Trustees, allocating funds to ten schools including $12.6 million to Lakewood Elementary for an addition and renovation to the school.  We are pleased to use the District’s funds, combined with the $500,000 raised by LEEF, to begin making the vision of a 21st century learning facility a reality.

The Problem We Face

A lack of funding in urban public schools has been a problem for decades.  On average, urban public schools have a lower per student spending rate than suburban public schools and face higher operating costs and aging infrastructure.* Lakewood Elementary's aging facilities are evidence of a lack of funding in Dallas Independent School District.

*Urban School Finance: The Quest for Equal Educational Opportunity. ERIC/CUE Digest No. 55

Rising To The Challenge

The Lakewood Elementary Expansion Foundation (LEEF) was formed by a group of parents fully invested in finding a solution to the inadequate physical facilities at Lakewood Elementary.  Our Board is comprised of dedicated individuals bringing their particular expertise to bear in solving this problem.  We hope our efforts will create a template for other communities to follow.

How you can help

Our goal is to complete raising the funds needed for  the construction of an approximately 45,000 square foot addition and 45,000 square foot renovation to the historic 1951 Lakewood Elementary structure. Donate to our cause and be a part of:
  • Building a state-of-the-art learning center in DISD that will benefit students for years to come.
  • Supporting public education in Dallas for a stronger community, healthy commerce and the development of tomorrow's leaders.
  • Creating a model for other communities to follow.
Learn more about our fundraising efforts.