About Us
The Lauderdale County School District Foundation partners with our community to enhance public education across 11 campuses, supporting more than 900 faculty and staff and over 6,000 students and their families in Lauderdale County School District. We fund classroom innovation, student scholarships, and educator recognition—ensuring every learner has the opportunity to thrive.
As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit public charity, the Foundation is committed to bringing inspiration and innovation to the Lauderdale County School District. Our goals focus on enhancing learning opportunities and fostering student success through three key funding areas: direct support for teachers, direct support for students, and district advancement and operations.
Direct Support for Teachers and Students
-
Teacher Classroom Mini-Grants
-
Continuing Education Grants
-
STEM Programs
-
Arts Initiatives
-
Student Support Services
-
In-Need Scholarships
Direct Support for District Advancement and Operations
-
District Recognition Programs
-
Staff Morale Initiatives
-
Stakeholder Convening
LCSD Foundation Supports Southeast Students Competing at National FBLA Competition
MERIDIAN, Miss. (July 17, 2025) – The Lauderdale County School District Foundation recently provided direct support to two Southeast Lauderdale High School students to assist with their participation in the national Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) competition held in June.
Five outstanding students from Southeast earned the opportunity to represent their school, and the Lauderdale County School District, on the national stage. Of those, two pursued the opportunity to travel and compete, showcasing their skills and leadership at one of the country’s premier student business events. FBLA is the largest career and technical student organization in the nation, preparing young people to become community-minded business leaders through academic competitions, leadership development, and educational programs.
This investment reflects the Foundation’s mission to expand educational opportunity for all Lauderdale County students through student enrichment in areas like arts, STEM, leadership, and career readiness.
“We are proud to support students who are taking bold steps toward their future,” said Dr. Marie Roberts, Volunteer Executive Director of the Foundation. “These kinds of enrichment opportunities create lasting impact, not just for individual students, but for their peers, families, and communities.”
Founded in 2022, the Lauderdale County School District Foundation is a 501(c)(3) public charity committed to rewarding teacher excellence, funding student enrichment, and supporting innovative learning experiences across the district. The Foundation’s work is made possible by generous contributions from local individuals, businesses, and community partners.
To learn more or make a gift in support of student enrichment, visit www.lcsdfoundation.org.
Photo Credit: LCSD Foundation
______
LCSD Foundation Highlights Community Impact at Meridian Rotary Club
MERIDIAN, Miss. (July 13, 2025) – The Lauderdale County School District Foundation was honored to be the featured presenter at the Meridian Rotary Club’s July meeting, sharing its mission to invest in bright futures for students and educators across Lauderdale County.
Dr. Marie Roberts, Volunteer Executive Director of the Foundation, outlined the organization’s commitment to educational excellence through strategic community partnerships, classroom innovation, and student opportunity. Joining Dr. Roberts were Foundation Board President Cheryl Thomas and Board Member Andrea Williams, both of whom actively support the Foundation’s vision to connect private and local resources to high-impact educational priorities.
Founded in 2022, the Lauderdale County School District Foundation is a 501(c)(3) public charity focused on enhancing public education by rewarding teacher excellence, funding student enrichment, and supporting innovative learning experiences in the Lauderdale County School District. The Foundation has grown to include representation from each of the county’s schools and operates with the belief that strong community engagement is vital to the success of local public schools.
“We believe education changes lives, and we’re here to make sure every student and teacher has the tools and opportunities they need to succeed,” said Dr. Roberts. “Community support—like that shown by Rotary—is essential in helping us fulfill that promise.”
As part of the meeting, the Meridian Rotary Club presented the Foundation with a generous donation. The Foundation will use these funds to launch a new continuing education grant initiative to support both currently certified teachers pursuing advanced degrees and non-certified district staff working toward teacher certification—an investment in the future of local classrooms and the district’s growing educator pipeline.
The Foundation is grateful for Rotary’s belief in the power of public education and its continued investment in the future of Lauderdale County.
For more information about the Lauderdale County School District Foundation, visit www.lcsdfoundation.org.
Photo Credit: The Meridian Star
______
Lauderdale County School District Foundation Earns 2025 Platinum Seal of Transparency from Candid
MERIDIAN, Miss. (May 28, 2025) — The Lauderdale County School District Foundation is proud to announce that it has earned the 2025 Platinum Seal of Transparency from Candid, the world’s largest source of nonprofit information. This prestigious recognition places the Foundation among the top tier of nonprofits nationwide committed to transparency and accountability.
The Platinum Seal of Transparency is the highest level of recognition offered by Candid. It indicates that the Lauderdale County School District Foundation shares clear and comprehensive information about its goals, strategies, capabilities, and progress. By providing this information, the Foundation demonstrates its commitment to transparency and helps donors and stakeholders better understand its work.
“Earning the Platinum Seal from Candid reflects our unwavering dedication to transparency and our mission to support educational excellence in Lauderdale County,” said Marie Roberts, Volunteer for the Lauderdale County School District Foundation. “We believe that openness fosters trust, and this recognition underscores our commitment to our community and stakeholders.”
The Lauderdale County School District Foundation has been instrumental in enhancing educational opportunities for students and supporting teachers through grants, scholarships, and community partnerships. This recognition from Candid affirms the Foundation's efforts to operate with the highest standards of transparency and effectiveness.
To view the Lauderdale County School District Foundation’s Candid profile, visit:
About the Lauderdale County School District Foundation
The Lauderdale County School District Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting the educational mission of the Lauderdale County School District. Through fundraising and community engagement, the Foundation provides resources to enhance student learning and teacher effectiveness.
LCSD Foundation