I’d like to add some details to your recent front page article about Sherry Ladd’s retirement from the Bellevue Schools Foundation.

During Sherry’s tenure, the Foundation raised $17.2 million, growing from $296,000 (the year before she was hired) and peaking in 2007-08 at $2.5 million (which included $1 million of a $2 million grant from the Gates Foundation). That’s a tremendous accomplishment.

Sherry, with justification, credits a “great team,” citing the inspiration of former Supt. Mike Riley, the work of over 100 BSF trustees and countless volunteers, and the generosity of the community.

Together, they, along with our school teachers and staff, have helped make Bellevue schools one of our community‘s greatest assets, not only educating our kids but also helping to attract businesses and jobs and to support our property values.

Sherry has left a great legacy.

Robert A. Lowe, BSF Board of Trustees, 1999-2009