Community-Backed Excellence for Seattle’s Public Schools

This movement brings together school families, alumni, educators and local partners around a shared commitment: ensuring our schools receive the funding they need for essential extracurricular programs and well-equipped classrooms that foster learning.

This vision traces back more than 25 years ago to a grassroots effort at Ballard High School, led by alumni Dick Lee ’61 and C. David Hughbanks ’54, along with then-Principal Chuck Chinn. Together, they helped establish the Ballard High School Foundation, which grew over time to fund more than $10 million in scholarships, campus improvements, technology, athletic and performing arts support, student mental health initiatives, and improved graduation rates (GAINS program).

Today, Dick Lee continues to carry this legacy forward — championing a bold citywide commitment to educational equity and opportunity. His efforts to improve  eighborhood schools have expanded well beyond Ballard, with school leaders across multiple school districts seeking his effective approach for area fundraising  vents. Beyond the success with the Ballard High School Foundation, Lee led the development of the Seattle Public Schools Athletic Hall of Fame, and worked with  chool for the Stadium High School (Tacoma) Celebration, and the Garfield High School Centennial Celebration.

Reflecting on his own journey, Lee shared: “As a first- generation UW Husky graduate, I know that it was my high school teachers, coaches and teammates who started me on my path to success. It’s my goal to make sure every student in Seattle has that opportunity to follow their dreams.”

With the backing of Seattle Public Schools and our generous community, this expanded vision will generate additional funding to support building and program needs, as well as enriching experiences in athletics and the performing arts from pre-kindergarten through high school.

We recognize that public school funding often falls short — especially for non-curricular programs that foster creativity, confidence, and connection. While some schools benefit from active PTSAs or Friends-type volunteer organizations, others may not have the same infrastructure or capacity for fundraising and outreach. Our goal is to help close those gaps and ensure that every Seattle Public Schools student, in every school, has the resources and opportunities to thrive. Additionally, we will donate 100 percent of fundraising proceeds back to the schools or initiatives we’re raising funds for, all in a timely manner. “It won’t help that teacher or librarian needing resources — or their students, for that matter — if there is a delay in getting the supplies they require,” Lee said. “Donors also want to see their dollars go to good use.”

Strong schools are the heart of a thriving, inclusive community. By investing in our students today — including those whose voices are too often overlooked — we’re shaping a more equitable future for Seattle.

We appreciate the community’s commitment to advancing this ambitious vision — and invite everyone to be part of this transformative journey.

For more details, please contact Dick Lee at rjlee@seattleschools.org