A group of committed West Fargo school supporters are bringing the West Fargo Educational Foundation back to life.

The Foundation was started following a school reunion in the 1980s by a group of graduates who wanted to give something back to the district, said Alison Otteson, current Foundation president.

Otteson, a 1997 graduate took charge and with the help of other alumni, is moving forward to reinvigorate the foundation.

Earlier this year, the Foundation awarded $5,000 mini grants to 10 district teachers.

The group hopes to help secure funding for preschool and other programs for which West Fargo School District receives no state or federal financial support.

“We have some big goals,” Otteson said. This year the district had 9,000 students enrolled with predictions of over 14,000 within 10 years, Otteson said.

“The Foundation hopes to assist the district in keeping with the values of educational excellence as the district continues to grow at unprecedented rates,” Otteson said.

Otteson, a former West Fargo athlete had an early example of the community support that can exist in West Fargo.

“Packer Backers were a huge influence. “I have a passion for West Fargo.”

The Foundation also plans to help provide access to more after-school programming by helping provide a transportation system to assist those who can’t currently find ways to participate in after-school activities, she said.

The Foundation would also like to help provide after-school tutoring and job resume programs, Otteson said.

There are currently 12 people on the Foundation.