The Cornville-based nonprofit, low-income student aid board expanded to all schools within the Cottonwood Oak Creek School District on Feb. 3 to the Clarkdale-Jerome School District.
“At Clarkdale Jerome’s school, we understand that it is our responsibility to support all of our children so that they can succeed in the classroom,” the doctorate said. “The partnership with Lisawill helps to quickly address the needs of students and families so that children arrive ready and willing to learn. Due to budget constraints facing Arizona public schools, including a limited range of spending, we will be able to assure you that we will be able to do so quickly.
Lisa offers valuable partnerships to support the learning community beyond the general budget capabilities. ”
Lisa previously operated on campuses within the Cottonwood Community School, Daniel Bright School, Oak Creek School, and Sedona Oak Creek School.
“I have seen firsthand the profound impact Lisa has had on our school families. COCSD Principal Jessica Vocca said: “I am deeply grateful to the LISA organization and its leadership for their unwavering commitment to directly support our families and giving back in ways that raise them. As the proverb says, “We need a village to raise our children,” and I am grateful to be part of such a caring and supportive village. We are also excited to see this incredible program expand to all of our district’s schools from 2025-26. And we can’t wait to see the continued positive impact on even more families in our community. ”
Co-founder Eric Wiles said the expansion would help streamline marketing by stating that Lisa will serve four complete school districts instead of listing individual schools. Wiles previously estimated annual costs per campus range between $20,000 and $25,000.
“It’s confusing to say that we’re supporting this school from this district but not from that district,” Wiles said. “We’re trying to unleash the web and make it a simple marketing plan.”
The expansion is expected to be completed by July 1st, and Lisa has been active at Sedona Red Rock High School since January 1st. Wiles said Lisa is already providing athletic shoes for one SRRHS student for school sports.
In the final quarter of 2024, Lisa met more than 80 assistance requests, offering $20 worth of pumpkins and 280 ride wristbands for the West Sedona Wildcat Carnival, as well as payments for National Honor Society acceptance fees, gymnastics classes, school supplies and more.
“Partnership with LISA was essential. If families were temporarily in need of financial support this year, whether it was a cut in kindergarten costs or it was difficult for families to pay for the costs. [an] Extracurricular activities. That’s when the family is connected to Lisa,” said Principal Tom Swanninger. “On Lisa’s mission, it’s important to note what they’re seeing. [financial aid] As a temporary measure to support students at critical times when necessary. It is not intended to be a permanent solution. ”
SRRHS has a campus aid committee consisting of Jennifer Constantneau, Lara Cordoba and Marilyn Lagen, with Principal Heather Isom serving as advisor.
When the board unanimously approved preschool tuition fees for $450 a month for the Sedona Oak Creek School District to govern the board on July 9, or $250 a month for low-income students, Wires said LISA planned to apply for grants from Arizona Complete Health to support low-income families.
“We were delighted to announce it on August 20th. Lisa was informed of her successful award of $8,000 from the results-based grant,” Wiles said. “Since receiving this generous grant, Lisa has provided West Sedona School with $3,500 preschool tuition fees. These funds are paid by West Sedona School as Lisa’s bills each month. Parents can apply for this assistance online at azlisa.org to support preschool tuition fees. We look forward to serving more students until the end of this school year.”
“We are grateful as a company as Lisa for our continued support of our community,” Wiles said. “We are grateful for the successful grants and are grateful for supporting our students in success through community compassion.”
For more information about Lisa, please see azlisa.org.
