PCEF Scholar Circle helps Park City schools dream bigger

Ingrid Whitley, president and CEO of the Park City Education Foundation, and Park City School District Superintendent Lyndsay Huntsman at a recent Scholar Circle event. Photo: Park City Education Foundation

PARK CITY, Utah — For Park City’s elementary school principals, the impact of the Park City Education Foundation (PCEF) can be summed up in one word: possibility.

Through programs such as Preschool, Afterschool, art instruction, classroom grants, and wellness initiatives, PCEF funding provides experiences that traditional budgets can’t cover. Those programs are sustained in part by the Scholar Circle, a group of families and community members who contribute $1,000 annually to support local schools.

“PCEF matters so much because it allows us to dream bigger for our students,” said Parley’s Park Principal Kim Howe. “Their support makes it possible to provide opportunities and resources that go beyond what traditional school funding can cover. For me personally, it means I can say ‘yes’ more often to programs that truly enrich our students’ learning and well-being.”

Expanding opportunities for students

At McPolin Elementary, Principal Angie Dufner described PCEF as “a true partner in education.” She said programs like afterschool enrichment, Preschool, and dedicated art instruction elevate learning and prepare students to succeed.

“PCEF has helped bring innovative programs and resources to our school that we would not otherwise be able to provide,” Dufner said. “When parents support PCEF, they are investing in opportunities that inspire, engage, and prepare our children for the future.”

Jeremy Ranch Elementary Principal Jacqie Spell said the foundation helps “bring learning to life” through arts, science, technology, wellness, and classroom grants. She highlighted Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) — a program that PCEF helps fund — as one that has significantly shaped the school culture.

“This program has built excitement around making positive choices, strengthened relationships between students and staff, and created a schoolwide culture of recognition and celebration,” Spell said.

At Trailside Elementary, Principal Tricia Wilbourne said PCEF ensures teachers’ instructional needs are met and families know afterschool care is safe and enriching. She added that Preschool has helped the youngest learners arrive at kindergarten more confident and prepared.

“Every industry is affected by the quality of public schools, and by investing in our schools, we are changing the workforce, our community, and forming a sustainable future generation,” Wilbourne said.

Scholar Circle membership

Scholar Circle has been part of PCEF for about a decade. Membership begins at $1,000 a year — about $85 per month. PCEF Vice President of Advancement Jennifer Billow said the program complements the foundation’s broader appeal, which asks families for $360 annually, or $2 per school day.

“It balances out our fundraising so we can fund nearly $2 million in programs each year,” Billow said.

Scholar Circle members are invited to events throughout the year that connect them with students, educators, and district leaders. This fall, these events include a breakfast with Superintendent Lyndsay Huntsman at Park Meadows Country Club and a student showcase panel at the Pendry, featuring high school students involved in PCEF-funded programs. A winter “First Tracks” ski morning at Park City Mountain Resort is offered to Gold-level members and above.

Members also receive early access to Red Apple Gala tickets, quarterly updates from PCEF leadership, and an annual Donor Impact Report.
Billow said Scholar Circle membership extends beyond parents to include grandparents, businesses, and residents who see strong schools as essential to community life.

“People understand that supporting PCEF impacts not only their own child, but all children,” she said. “A great public school system makes the community a better place to live.”