South Kitsap Public Education Foundation Home

Community Impact 
Kathy Hawkins

Educational Leadership
Andrew Cain

Distinguished Alumni
Rob Putaansuu

Legacy
Maker
Ron Hutchinson

Link to SK Community award nomination form

This session the Foundation awarded $26,478 in classroom and school-based grants to support innovative learning experiences for South Kitsap students. Areas of Focus for these grants:

• College & Career Readiness
  • South Kitsap High School: PSAT/SAT fee support and college visit experiences
  • Marcus Whitman Middle School: AVID program resources and college visit
• Literacy
  • Sunnyslope Elementary: Kindergarten literacy support tools
  • Olalla Elementary: Reading program equipment
  • Cedar Heights Middle School: Enhanced social communication tools for students with autism
• Math Proficiency
  • Marcus Whitman Middle School: Math fluency games to support mastery
• Career & Technical Education
  • John Sedgwick Middle School: Woodshop tool and equipment upgrades
• Outdoor Education
  • Orchard Heights: Fifth-grade camp support
  • Manchester Elementary: Fifth-grade camp support
  • Mullenix Ridge: Fifth-grade camp support
• Cultural Enrichment
  • Manchester Elementary: Farm field trip
  • East Port Orchard: Performing Arts field trip
  • Mullenix Ridge: Science Center experience
  • Manchester Elementary: Salmon education field trip
• Wellness Support & Physical Fitness
  • Mullenix Ridge: Equipment for sensory room
  • South Kitsap High School: Weight room equipment upgrades

First edition of the SKPEF Newsletter

June 2025 - We’re excited to share the very first edition of the South Kitsap Public Education Foundation Quarterly Newsletter! This new publication is our way of keeping you in the loop on the inspiring progress, community impact, and student-centered initiatives you help make possible. Inside this issue, you’ll find highlights from recent events, updates on funded programs, stories of impact, and a preview of what’s ahead. Whether you’ve donated, volunteered, attended an event, or simply cheered us on from afar, this newsletter is a celebration of what we’ve accomplished together—and a look at the meaningful work still to come.

Thank you for being part of our mission to support students, educators, and innovation across the South Kitsap School District.

With gratitude,
Jay Seaton
South Kitsap Public Education Foundation

Click to view the June 2025 SKPEF Newsletter

Jay Seaton - President

Jay is actively involved in the South Kitsap community and has raised his 3 boys in the South Kitsap School District. He currently sits on the Kitsap Community Foundation Investment Policy Committee and served the Port Orchard Chamber of Commerce board for 6 years. He also coaches baseball in the district at Cedar Heights Middle School. His vision is to improve the lives of students in SKSD through coaching, mentoring, and community support. 

Bob Cooper - Vice President

As a board member of the South Kitsap Public Education Foundation, Bob brings a wealth of experience in organizational leadership and arts advocacy.

He is a deeply committed community leader and true Renaissance man, Bob Cooper has spent over 34 years in public and private education, inspiring creativity through arts education from kindergarten to college. He believes that creativity and innovation are essential to shaping productive global citizens and strengthening the future of our country.

His work on the National Coalition for Core Arts Standards writing team and Washington State Arts Standards and Assessments reflects his dedication to educating the whole child and fostering a culture of creativity in education. Through his passion and leadership, Bob continues to champion the power of the arts, innovation, and education to transform lives and communities.

Tracy DiGiovanni - Secretary

In 1990, Tracy and her husband decided to move to Port Orchard, make it their home and raise a family. Three children later, who attended school in the South Kitsap School District, and now in college and graduate school, they are pleased with their decision.  Tracy is an attorney and the Co-Managing Partner of the Shiers Law Firm. She serves on the Board of Directors for Land Title Company of Kitsap County, South Kitsap Public Education Foundation, Cedar Cove Association, is a member of We Are Kitsap Leadership Tea/Kitsap Community Foundation and of Soroptimist of Port Orchard, and was a Board Member of the Olympic College Foundation (2000-2011), and Past President. Tracy knows that education leads to a healthy and prosperous community, and wants to enhance the opportunity and experience for all children.

Linda Smith - Treasurer

As a dedicated community leader and financial expert, Linda Smith has played a pivotal role in supporting education and economic empowerment throughout South Kitsap. A founding board member and Treasurer of the South Kitsap Public Education Foundation (SKPEF), she ensures the foundation’s long-term sustainability by maintaining strong financial stewardship, compliance, and accountability. Her leadership has been instrumental in the SK Backpacks for Kids program, distributing vital funding to provide food security for vulnerable students.

In addition to her work with SKPEF, Linda serves as Co-Chair and Treasurer of Soroptimist International of Port Orchard, helping to advance opportunities for women and girls through education and training. She also serves on the Kitsap County Affordable Housing Coalition, demonstrating her deep commitment to addressing key community needs.

Recognized as a YWCA Women of Distinction honoree, Linda exemplifies the power of volunteerism and corporate leadership in fostering community growth. As Executive Vice President at Kitsap Bank, she actively champions corporate engagement, earning board certification in Volunteer Engagement and Outreach in 2024. Through her expertise and passion, Linda continues to make a meaningful difference in South Kitsap, strengthening the foundation for future generations.

Katie Niles Benoit

A former South Kitsap business owner and dedicated community advocate, Katie Niles Benoit is passionate about building a thriving, connected South Kitsap where everyone benefits. Since moving to Washington in 1995, she has been deeply involved in the community, raising her two daughters in the South Kitsap School District and volunteering in local schools for over 14 years. From 1995 to 2012, she owned a chiropractic practice in Port Orchard, guided by her father’s belief that if you want a community to support your business, you must first support your community.

Now, as a board member of the South Kitsap Public Education Foundation, Katie remains committed to fostering opportunities that empower students and educators. She sees SKPEF as a catalyst for positive change, where local action leads to lasting impact.  Through her service, Katie continues to champion the idea that when a community invests in its schools, it invests in a brighter future for all. In her free time, she enjoys creating glass art, gardening, and traveling with her husband—continuing to embrace the beauty of lifelong learning and community engagement.

Carol Kowalski

Carol Kowalski brings extensive expertise in strategic leadership, resource development, and community collaboration to her role on the South Kitsap Public Education Foundation (SKPEF) Board. A highly respected philanthropy and community outreach professional with over 25 years of experience, Carol has a proven ability to build partnerships that drive positive outcomes for organizations and the communities they serve.

As a longtime advocate for public education, Carol is passionate about creating philanthropic opportunities that empower students to succeed. Her commitment to South Kitsap schools is reflected in her dedication to advancing SKPEF’s mission of supporting innovative programs, scholarships, and resources that enhance educational excellence.  Carol is a SK High School alumnus, class of 1984.

Carol’s professional background, combined with her collaborative leadership style, equips her to contribute meaningfully to the Foundation’s fundraising and outreach initiatives. She has been recognized with several awards for her community impact and remains deeply engaged in efforts to strengthen Kitsap County’s future.

In addition to her board service, Carol enjoys connecting with local families and exploring the beauty of the Pacific Northwest. She is honored to support the students, educators, and families of South Kitsap through her service with SKPEF.

Amy Miller

As Communication & Public Information Officer with South Kitsap School District, Amy understands the role quality education plays in the success of our students and the future of our community. She feels that residents have a duty to invest in public schools if they want our community to keep pace with surrounding areas. Amy is an active volunteer with the South Kitsap School Supporters. She is also active in the South Kitsap Chamber of Commerce, Kiwanis Club of Port Orchard, South Kitsap Kiwanis Club, and South Kitsap Public Education Foundation. Amy and her husband Doug live in Port Orchard and have two daughters who attended South Kitsap schools. 

Susan Rosapepe

Passionate about education and lifelong learning, Susan Rosapepe dedicates her efforts to advancing literacy, curiosity, and the vital role of libraries in community education. As a board member of the South Kitsap Public Education Foundation, she brings her expertise in marketing and communications to support initiatives that enrich educational opportunities for South Kitsap students.

Susan is also an active member of the Kitsap Regional Library Downtown Port Orchard Friends, advocating for accessible resources that inspire learning at all ages. Through her leadership and dedication, she champions the power of education to transform lives and strengthen the South Kitsap community.

Liz Sebren

A former South Kitsap Schools teacher and dedicated servant leader, Liz Sebren is passionate about the success of local students and the power of community collaboration. As a board member of the South Kitsap Public Education Foundation, she works to enhance educational opportunities that empower students to thrive.

Liz is also an active member of Kitsap 100 Who Care, a giving circle focused on making a meaningful impact by supporting local nonprofits. An outdoor enthusiast, she embraces the belief that together, we are better” whether in education, philanthropy, or community-building. Through her leadership and dedication, Liz continues to give back, ensuring that South Kitsap remains a place where students and families can succeed.

Tom Slyter

As a young man who grew up in a liberal family, worked commercial fishing and pulp mills, then spent 25 year in the US Air Force following a scholarship to pay for medical school I have developed a  strong belief that people from all walks of life are really quiet similar and passionate. They all love their children and hope their communities will support their dreams. After retiring from the Air Force my wife and I returned to our house in Manchester looking for ways to make a home and a difference. Volunteering with a local Organizing For America group and Kiwanis Club I strive to find common ground and pragmatic ways to keep my community strong and healthy, particularly with respect to our children and schools. 

Sharon Tankersley

After a meaningful career as an educator, Sharon Tankersley continues to make a lasting impact on South Kitsap Schools through her role with the South Kitsap Public Education Foundation. With a deep commitment to student success, she brings invaluable experience and insight to her board service, helping to advance initiatives that enhance educational opportunities for all SK students. Her dedication to public education extends beyond the classroom, as she actively supports programs that foster academic excellence, innovation, and community engagement. Sharon’s leadership and passion for education make her a vital advocate for the future of South Kitsap Schools. Sharon’s board service includes serving on the SK Night of Inspiration and Impact benefit auction committee.

Kimi Yee Tom

As a South Kitsap alum, Kimi is passionate about building strong community relationships and bringing people together to achieve shared goals in public education. Believing that a thriving community begins with a strong educational foundation, she is committed to contributing to the growth of South Kitsap, ensuring it remains known for its caring and exceptional school system.

With a strong background in organizational leadership, Kimi is a proven leader in project management and event coordination. She has successfully led diverse teams, including PTA, coffee ministry, and booster groups. Kimi’s professional experience also extends to the import/export and distribution of consumer products across the Mass, Health, and Asian markets.

Tim Winter

Tim Winter serves as the Superintendent of South Kitsap School District, bringing decades of leadership experience in education. Passionate about student success and community engagement, he is committed to ensuring that every learner has the resources and opportunities to thrive. As a board member of the South Kitsap Public Education Foundation, Tim champions initiatives that enhance educational excellence, support educators, and expand opportunities for students. His dedication to public education and belief in the power of community partnerships drive his work to make a lasting impact on South Kitsap schools.

SKPEF BOARD OF DIRECTORS  Roles and Responsibilities
South Kitsap Public Education Foundation (SKPEF) thanks you for your interest in serving on our Board of Directors. Serving on this governing body is a privilege and a responsibility. As an elected board member, you have specific legal responsibilities in governing the organization.

Three Primary Fiduciary Duties:

Duty of Care
The duty of care describes the level of competence expected of a board member.  It is commonly expressed as the duty of “care that an ordinarily prudent person would exercise in a like position and under similar circumstances.” This means a board member will make informed decisions in the organization's best interest.

Duty of Loyalty
he duty of loyalty is a standard of faithfulness; a board member must give undivided allegiance when making decisions affecting the organization. This means that a board member can never use information obtained as a member for personal gain, must disclose actual or potential conflicts of interest, and must act in the organization's best interests.

Duty of Obedience
The duty of obedience requires board members to be faithful to the organization’s mission. They are not permitted to act in a way inconsistent with the organization's central goals. This rule is based on the public’s trust that the organization will manage donated funds to fulfill its mission and adhere to the policies and procedures approved by the board.

Terms of Position -  Each term is three years. There are no term limits.  
As a member of the highest leadership body of the organization and to satisfy its fiduciary duties, I agree that the board collectively is responsible for the following:

Planning and Policy

• Establish the organization's direction. This includes defining the vision and mission and developing a strategic plan with measurable goals and objectives.
• Adopt and implement policies to guide the organization's operations.
• Approve the annual operating budget.  

Resource Development

• Actively support development planning and fundraising efforts to ensure a fully funded budget.
• Generate community awareness and support for the organization’s mission.
• Assist with prospecting related to donors, volunteer engagement, in-kind contributions, and potential board and committee members.

General Oversight and Engagement

• Ensure the organization complies with local, state, and federal laws.
• Hire, evaluate, and support the ED.  
• Establish performance goals for the board and ED and complete regular performance reviews.
• Make informed governance decisions.

As an individual board member, I agree to:  

• Know the organization’s mission, policies, programs, and needs as well as understand its collective purpose.  
• Fully engage in identifying and securing the financial resources and partnerships necessary for the organization to advance its mission.
• Serve actively on at least one committee or task force and accept special assignments as appropriate.
• Serve as an ambassador for our organization/mission.
• Make a personally significant annual financial contribution (including in-kind contributions).
• Faithfully read and understand the organization’s financial statements and board materials in advance of meetings.
• Attend and actively participate in regularly scheduled Board Meetings, missing no more than three per year and two consecutive meetings (unless prior approval is requested from the Board President).
• Uphold the legal duties and laws regarding nonprofit governance.
• Follow the organization’s bylaws, policies, and board resolutions.
• Sign an annual conflict-of-interest disclosure (at the beginning of the fiscal year) and update it during the year if necessary, as well as disclose potential conflicts before meetings and actual conflicts during meetings.  
• Maintain confidentiality of all internal organization matters per the confidentiality policy.  
• Participate in strategic planning processes.
• Make informed decisions based on careful consideration of facts and all relevant data.
• Provide counsel on governance issues that fall within my expertise/experience.
• Contribute to our board leadership development/succession planning efforts.
• Respect the experiences of all who bring their voices and lived experiences into the boardroom and the organization.
• Give an average of 2-4 hours a week to my board responsibilities.
• Advocate for educational equity in the South Kitsap School District.

As a board member, I have read and agree to the following actions and behaviors:

• I will revisit the board roles and responsibilities annually and sign an annual commitment form.
• I will participate in the board evaluation, giving honest and thoughtful feedback to improve board health and functioning.  
• I will assess my participation as a board member and, if necessary, make adjustments to improve my engagement.  
• I will let the Board President know if anything prevents me from meeting my board commitments and request a leave of absence (per the LOA policy).
• I will be open to feedback from other board members.
• I will not use my social media or other forms of communication to negatively communicate about the school district or its employees, partners, or other SKPEF stakeholders.
• I trust the committees/task forces to do their assigned work and will ask questions if I don’t understand something.  
• I will support the decisions made by the board or committees, even if I would have preferred a different one.  The Board speaks with one voice.
• I will strive to build an organizational culture grounded in shared values that align with SKPEF's mission and strategy.
• In the spirit of growth and adherence to best practices, I will be willing to try new things and support new processes.
• I will not use my board role to deal with personal issues. I will use my board service for the collective good.
• I will strive to contribute to discussions and ensure that all voices are heard.  

Approved May 8, 2026

• Bob Cooper
• Carol Kowalski
• Jay Seaton
• Linda Smith

• Katie Benoit-Niles
• Carol Kowalski
• Jay Seaton

We need your help!
Contact us to learn more about our support for South Kitsap students, staff, schools or if you have interest in volunteering.  

South Kitsap Public Education Foundation
P.O. Box 1953
Port Orchard, WA 98366
SKPEF@skschools.org

SKPEF offers grants to District staff and a few recent highlights are shown above.

• SKPEF contributed toward a sensory music garden at Olalla Elementary.
• SKPEF funded field trips for AVID students to explore post high school plans and visit college campuses.
• SKPEF contributed to the South Kitsap High School Orchestra trip to California, Choir trip to New York City, and Marching Band trip to Hawaii.
• SKPEF sponsored a Mission to Mars Aviation Space Camp for middle school students. 

SKPEF has funded a variety of programs and projects over the years. They are focused in four main areas: Early Literacy, Innovation/Excellence/Achievement, High School and Beyond, and Service to Students, Schools, and the Community.

• Kindergarten Jumpstart
• Summer Boost Program - third grade reading support
• Backpacks for Kids Program - weekend meal support for students in need
• Lunch Angel Program - support students without lunch money
• New Staff Welcome Breakfast
• SKSD Charitable Giving campaign support
• Scholar Awards
• Planning for post high school activities
• Career Exploration like 8th grade college campus visits
• Graduate recognition and celebration
• SKSD Summer Arts and Music Camps
• SK Naval Junior Reserve Officer (NJROTC) Sailing Program support
• SKSD Virtual Learning Center

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