We are a group of parents, teachers, staff and community members who are passionate about public education as a means to enhance our children’s potential for a healthy and meaningful life. We are Blaine County citizens who wholeheartedly support our schools and teachers. BCEF began in 1992 under the leadership of Len Harlig, Trina McNeal, Ritu Shivdasani, Jim Lewis and Mike Chatterton, who started the BCEF to raise funds for the creation of Founders Field for school sports. Since that time, BCEF has expanded its mission. Now, we hope that by engaging our community and raising resources, and by aligning our programs with the Blaine County School District’s goals, we make a difference in our children’s futures.
The BCEF promotes:
- Academic Rigor
- Teacher Excellence
- Teacher Innovation
- Equitable Education Opportunities
- Healthy Student Environment
- Sustainable Student Environment
Blaine County Education Foundation Staff & Board Members
Deborah Van Law
Executive Director
Deborah Van Law is a long time resident of the Wood River Valley with 20 years of teaching experience in Blaine County Schools. She attended Boise State University and graduated with a BA in Bilingual Education and an MA in Education, Curriculum and Instruction. Deborah is passionate about providing opportunities for all Blaine County students to ensure they thrive and become productive members of our community. She currently serves on the board at The Hunger Coalition and loves being outdoors with her husband and two sons.
Karen Bliss
Secretary | Retired Teacher
Karen Bliss has lived in Blaine County since 1989; both sons returned to the valley to raise families. A retired dual immersion teacher, she actively supports cultural diversity in the community.
Joni Cashman
Board Member
Joni has lived in the Wood River Valley since 1998. She has recently retired as an Art teacher for BCSD. She believes in the importance of creativity and an engaging education for all.
Alicia Hollis
Chair | Teacher
Alicia Hollis has been an elementary school teacher for 12 years, most spent in a bilingual classroom. She is a reading specialist at Hemingway STEAM and has two little boys.
Alexis Lindberg
Board Member
As a resident and professional of the Wood River Valley for ten years, Alexis is very excited to be joining the board of the Blaine County Education Foundation as their Treasurer. She and her husband enjoy spending time with friends, traveling and spending time with their beautiful basset hound Bonnie. Summers are their favorite and you’ll usually find them on the golf course!
Mark Sauvageau
Board Member | Principal
Mark Sauvageau has been a BCSD teacher and administrator for 22 years. He and his wife, a first grade teacher, have three girls who love being part of the Wood River Valley.
Hilary Sinnamon
Board Member
Hilary has two children who attend Blaine County schools and she whole heartedly supports public education. She has served on numerous other boards in the valley including Girls on the Run and the Snake River Alliance. Hilary enjoys time in the backcountry with her friends and family, whether it is skiing, running or floating rivers.
Megan Stevenson
Board Member
Megan is a lifelong resident of Blaine County and was a student of Blaine County School District from kindergarten all the way through high school. She is passionate about giving back to the community that has given her so much. Megan has worked and volunteered for many non-profit organizations in our community including Blaine County Recreation District, Friends of the Sawtooth Avalanche Center, Idaho Conservation League, Wood River Land Trust and Blaine County Education Foundation. Her most treasured moments are spent in the mountains with family and friends. Megan lives in Hailey with her husband, twins and dog.
Victor Watson
Board Member
Victor values the unique strengths and differences of every individual. He is a former special education teacher dedicated to fostering inclusive and welcoming learning environments. As a business leader in the Wood River Valley, he continues to champion equity and inclusion via internet connectivity programs in order to level the playing field for all K-12 students in our community. Victor loves spending time with his wife of over 30 years, 4 sons and grandchildren. He enjoys skiing, hiking, and yoga.