Embedded Files
Mission Statement
The goal of the LEFSA is to provide an ongoing source of supplemental non-taxpayer funds to Lancaster School District via an endowment fund. This fund is intended to be perpetual in nature.
$5,000
$5,000
Click here to donate now:
Click here to donate now:
$25.00
$25.00
lefsa board of directors
lefsa board of directors
committee members
committee members
INVESTMENT COMMITTEE
Chelsi Langehaug
Jason Nordin
Justin Nordin
Julie Peterson
Dave Thompson
Fred Wilebski
MARKETING & MEMBERSHIP
(M&M) COMMITTEE
Shannon Bowlin
Hayley Coffield
Mendy Coffield
Committee terms do not expire; they serve at the discretion of the board.
distributions
distributions
Each year, the Board of Directors reviews Funding Request Applications.
Each year, the Board of Directors reviews Funding Request Applications.
In 2025, $5,000 was awarded to Lancaster School for the renovation of the front entrance concrete sidewalk.
In 2025, $5,000 was awarded to Lancaster School for the renovation of the front entrance concrete sidewalk.
In 2026, the Board awarded Lancaster School $10,000 to support the east side window replacement project on the original building.
In 2026, the Board awarded Lancaster School $10,000 to support the east side window replacement project on the original building.
lifetime members: ($5,000 donation)
lifetime members: ($5,000 donation)
Ken and Barb Peterson become lifetime members
Ken and Barb Peterson become lifetime members
Ken and Barb Peterson become lifetime members of LEFSA
Ken and Barb (Nelson) Peterson recently joined the ranks of LEFSA’s lifetime membership with a generous contribution. Both are lifelong residents and alumni of Lancaster School having graduated in 1964 and 1966 respectively. Barb taught in Lancaster for many years and Ken was also in education in Kittson County. Likewise all of their children graduated from The School.
Board member Julie Peterson remarked, “Like so many other notable members of the community, Ken and Barb need no introduction given their constant involvement, philanthropy, and genuine concern for others. This donation, like all of their contributions, continues to demonstrate their commitment to the community and those who live here. It means a lot to our organization to receive this kind of support from what can only be termed the bedrock of our small town’s leadership”.
When asked about their contribution they said “It was important to them to preserve and support our school for future generations. Lancaster School and the community holds a special place in our hearts.”
Further information about the Lancaster Endowment Fund School Association (LEFSA), its mission, board or committees, can be found on their website or Facebook page.
class of 1959 honorarium
class of 1959 honorarium
LEFSA was recently pleasantly surprised to get a lifetime membership donation in honor of Lancaster School’s Class of 1959. While the donor chose to remain anonymous, we felt it was important to recognize the contribution in hopes this may be the start of a trend.
As a qualified non-profit, any and all contributions to LEFSA are eligible for tax deductibility. So there exists a great opportunity to donate to the cause whether it be an honorarium such as this, memorial, birthday, anniversary, or another occasion a donor thinks deserves to be recognized.
Board member Jesse Strege stated, “This type of contribution toward our organization’s efforts to keep our school vibrant and financially sound are definitely bolstered by this type of community support. It also gives us confidence that we are on the right track. We really appreciate these types of contributions and look forward to more.”
Further information about the Lancaster Endowment Fund School
Association (LEFSA), its mission, board or committees, can be found on their website or Facebook page.
Class of 1959
chuck and faye potrament join lefsa
chuck and faye potrament join lefsa
lifetime membership ranks
lifetime membership ranks
LEFSA Lifetime Memberships Continue
Chuck and Faye (Nordin-Whitlock) Potrament recently joined the ranks of LEFSA’s lifetime membership with a generous contribution. Both Chuck and Faye have strong ties to the Lancaster community with Faye being a 1974 graduate.
Vice President C. J. Peterson stated “The financial and morale support we continue to receive from members of the community like Faye and Chuck at times seems a bit overwhelming. But, we are definitely happy that folks like them are committed to our mission of ensuring the continuity of Lancaster School.”
As a lifelong member of the community along with Chuck’s family, Faye said “I think we feel the same deep love of our town and the school as most do. And we hope our efforts along with financial support can keep it going for a very long time. It seemed like the least we could do given the history of both our families and the connections to the school.”
Further information about the Lancaster Endowment Fund School Association (LEFSA), its mission, board or committees, can be found on their website or Facebook page.
Chuck and Faye Potrament
DUANE AND HOLLY SAND BECOME LEFSA LIFETIME MEMBERS
DUANE AND HOLLY SAND BECOME LEFSA LIFETIME MEMBERS
Duane and Holly Sand
Another Lancaster Alumnus Joins LEFSA’s Lifetime Membership
Growth of LEFSA’s lifetime membership list continues with the addition of Duane & Holly Sand. Duane, a 1983 graduate is a well-known Naval Academy graduate, retired navy captain in the nuclear submarine force, and entrepreneur who also has also been active in the political arena on both a regional and national level. His wife and family currently make their home in Bismarck.
Board member Lacey Lupien said “Although I don’t know Duane personally, I am aware of his economic development efforts within Kittson County. It’s gratifying to know that our little community is always on the minds of successful alumni such as Duane and they show their gratitude by opening their checkbooks for a great cause.”
In talking to Duane, he reminisced about his formative years and the many teachers at Lancaster School and other community members that were instrumental in shaping his life. For example he mentioned Tom Sebanaler (shop) who taught him to pay “attention to detail and the need for compassion.” Steve Lockman was another person that “taught me to dream the American Dream.” Jim Sass (math) coaxed me to “achieve academic excellence.” Brad Homstad (coach and administrator) “instilled in me my competitive spirit.” And Jerry Bernstrom “taught me the importance of hard work while maintaining a sense of humor.” While there were many more individuals that were a part of that process, it was “these life skills that were largely responsible for most anything I achieved in life.” “I will forever be proud of the fact I came from the Lancaster community.”
Further information about the Lancaster Endowment Fund School Association (LEFSA), its mission, board or committees, can be found on their website or Facebook page.
galen & julie Nordin show support for LEFSA (in memory of doug whitlock)
galen & julie Nordin show support for LEFSA (in memory of doug whitlock)
Lifetime Commitment to Lancaster Community
LEFSA welcomes Galen & Julie (Whitlock) Nordin to the growing list of lifetime members. Like the rest of the Nordin and Whitlock families, both have been involved in the community and school their entire lives. Galen as a bus driver for many years along with assisting with other extra-curricular activities and as Lancaster’s mayor at one time. Julie remains involved in the school and community and has previously taught business, music and FACS classes over the years.
Board member Justin Peterson commented that “Julie and Galen are the type of folks that make a difference in a small community, and they can always be counted on to help in any way possible. It is truly an honor to have their support for our mission to ensure the future of Lancaster School.”
When asked about their support they responded “The school is what keeps our community alive and thriving. We believe in the old adage that it takes a village to raise a child. And that by giving to LEFSA we can in some small way help to give back for what has been taught and given to us.”
In addition, many other members of both their families support LEFSA in various capacities such as their sons Jason and Justin who both serve on the Investment Committee. I guess you could say it’s somewhat of a family affair.
Further information about the Lancaster Endowment Fund School Association (LEFSA), its mission, board or committees, can be found on their website or Facebook page.
Galen and Julie Nordin
Randy & Peggy Nordin become Lifetime LEFSA Members
Randy & Peggy Nordin become Lifetime LEFSA Members
Randy and Peggy Nordin
Lifetime Membership Ranks Increase
The ranks of LEFSA’s lifetime membership increased yet again with the addition of Randy and Peggy (Wilson) Nordin. As most people know, they are lifelong residents of the community and are well known for their ongoing selfless efforts on behalf of others. Both graduated from Lancaster School in 1968.
Board member Shannon Bowlin commented that “Randy and Peggy are unquestionably pillars of the Lancaster community and are known to always look for ways to improve the lives of others. We are extremely pleased to have their support in our efforts to ensure the continuity of our school.”
When asked about their contribution, they responded quite humbly stating “We have a passion for the school and want to keep it going. We cannot always rely on other funding sources, and we intend to do what we can to help.”
Further information about the Lancaster Endowment Fund School Association (LEFSA), its mission, board or committees, can be found on their website or Facebook page.
Lancaster Roots Trigger LEFSA Donation
Lancaster Roots Trigger LEFSA Donation
The list of LEFSA lifetime members continues to grow with the addition of Leif and Christine Norland. Although the Norland name is historic in terms of Kittson County, Leif and his wife have a connection via Leif’s father, grandparents and other extended family. His father, “Jerry”, graduated from Lancaster School in 1957 and his grandparents were Otto and Clara (Omundson) Norland, who many will remember.
Treasurer Sarah Schmalz commented that “it’s really great to see the support we have been getting from individuals like the Norlands who have never lived here but have strong roots within the community. We are always surprised and gratified when we get a donation such as this.”
When asked about his connections to Lancaster, Leif said he fondly remembers visiting summers while he was growing up and that those experiences helped shape a lifelong appreciation for the community and the place it holds in so many family stories. He stated that he believed that “the LEFSA endowment is playing a vital role in supporting Lancaster’s long-term strength and sustained future.” Leif and Christine reside in St. Joseph, Michigan and have 3 grown children, Hanna, Claire and John. As seen in the picture of the family, the youngest, John is currently enrolled at the Naval Academy.
Further information about the Lancaster Endowment Fund School Association (LEFSA), its mission, board or committees, can be found on their website or Facebook page.
Leif, Christine, Hannah, Claire, and John Norland
THREE generations at lancaster school
THREE generations at lancaster school
Jerroll and Diane Peterson
THREE Generations at Lancaster School
Like many individuals and families that donate to the Lancaster Endowment Fund School Association, Jerroll and Diane Peterson are part of three generations that have attended or taught at Lancaster School. With their donation, the Petersons have been added to the rolls of our lifetime members.
President Nicole Thompson said “It’s always great to see support for our cause coming from families that have deep roots in the community and are interested in the School’s continued operation. It was a bonus to hear of Jerroll’s mother Doris also being a teacher here at one time and that his father Delbert also believed strongly in the importance education”.
Jerroll, stated that “The education students such as himself and his kids received at Lancaster School has given them a great foundation for life along with a lot of good memories. I know my mother and father would agree and be proud of our small contribution. Hopefully it may convince a few others who have benefited like our family to show their support by making a donation too.”
Further information about the Lancaster Endowment Fund School Association (LEFSA), its mission, board or committees, can be found on their website or Facebook page.
LEFSA APPROVES FIRST DISTRIBUTION
LEFSA APPROVES FIRST DISTRIBUTION
FIRST DONATION OF SECURITIES!
FIRST DONATION OF SECURITIES!
Justin and Loren Nordin
LEFSA Receives First Donation of Securities
The Lancaster Endowment Fund School Association, kicked off the New Year with another first in terms of contributions. It took the form of securities that were donated by Justin Nordin who graduated with the class of 2003.
President Nicole Thompson stated that “We were pleasantly surprised by this first of its kind donation. With it, Justin and his wife Loren have been added to the growing list of our lifetime members.”
Justin and Loren reside in San Diego where he is employed by Amazon in their technology space. He indicated that as he was reading the annual newsletter he noticed that one of the many ways to support the organization was through a donation of stock. Justin said “I couldn’t have asked for a better place to have grown up and I wanted to give back to the school and community that gave me so much. We’ve enjoyed watching the LEFSA updates and wanted to show our support. We hope that this encourages others to explore donating stock to this fantastic cause and community as well.”
Further information about the Lancaster Endowment Fund School Association (LEFSA), its mission, board or committees, can be found on their website or Facebook page.
we begin 2025 with a new lifetime member
we begin 2025 with a new lifetime member
ANOTHER LIFETIME MEMBERSHIP
The Lancaster Endowment Fund School Association began the New Year with yet another lifetime membership. It came from Jerome and Deb Norland. Board member Jesse Strege said “It’s great to see this level of alumni support to ensure the financial future of our school. We are very appreciative and humbled by it.”
Jerome, or Jerry as he is commonly referred to, graduated from Lancaster School back in 1957. He served in the army after leaving our community and went on to have a very rewarding career in the ethical drug industry. He and his wife Deb (DeWeerd) have been ardent supporters of LEFSA’s efforts and Deb was responsible for the fused glass art that was part of the donor recognition wall that was recently installed. Jerry was able to use a QCD (qualified charitable distribution) as a way of funding his donation. When asked, he stated “This option is a great way to make charitable donations and is incredibly tax advantaged. I’m just happy to give back to the community I grew up in and where I always feel welcome.”
Further information about the Lancaster Endowment Fund School Association (LEFSA), its mission, board or committees, can be found on their web site or Facebook page.
Jerry and Deb Norland
ANOTHER LIFETIME MEMBERSHIP TO CLOSE 2024
ANOTHER LIFETIME MEMBERSHIP TO CLOSE 2024
LIFETIME MEMBERSHIP
Tom and Brenda Wilebski from Apple Valley, Minnesota, were LEFSA's first significant donors at inception. Supt. Nicole Thompson said "We are thrilled to announce they have now gained Lifetime Membership status!"
Prior to retiring, Tom and Brenda owned and operated a very successful construction company. Tom’s connection to Lancaster is through his father Thomas who grew up in Richardville and St. Joseph townships along with his other 11 Wilebski siblings. Tom said, “It’s just a great feeling to give a little back to communities that are determined to survive and provide for the education of their youth.
Tom & Brenda Wilebski
class of 1998 grad lifetime member!
class of 1998 grad lifetime member!
Lifetime Memberships Continue
The Lancaster Endowment Fund School Association received yet another lifetime membership recently. This one was from Class of 1998 alumnus Kris Hokanson and his wife Chrissy. Board member Julie Peterson said “we continue to be amazed at the generosity of alumni and the community as demonstrated by their financial contributions. We sincerely appreciate all donations.”
After completing his education at Lancaster School, Kris has continued to take what he learned and has applied it each day to both his personal and professional life. With a wife and 5 kids, “life can be hectic, but also very rewarding.” Like so many others, he said he “wanted to give back to the school and community that gave him so much.”
Kris and Chrissy Hokanson
MORE LEFSA Lifetime Memberships!
MORE LEFSA Lifetime Memberships!
More Lifetime Memberships for LEFSA
The Lancaster Endowment Fund School Association was fortunate to receive yet another lifetime membership in the organization. The donation was from alumnus Marlin Peterson, class of 1960, and his wife, Becky.
Board member Lacey Lupien said that “Contributions like the one that Marlin made are the lifeblood of our organization and will go a long way toward building the endowment fund for the future benefit of Lancaster School. I and the rest of the board and committees are overjoyed by this show of generosity”
Marlin, like many other donors, said that “It’s just a way to give back to the community that means a lot to me and my family. I’m hopeful that LEFSA is successful in achieving their goals of endowing the future of The School.”
Marlin Peterson
LEFSA Adds Another Lifetime Member
The Lancaster Endowment Fund School Association received yet another lifetime membership recently. This donation was from Class of 1953 alumna Lois Nordin Boroski. Board member Justin Peterson said “we continue to be amazed and gratified by the response of the community in seeking to build an endowment fund to secure the future of Lancaster School. These lifetime memberships really go a long way toward achieving that goal.”
When asked about her donation, Lois stated “I and my late husband Frank have always held a special place in our hearts for Lancaster. So my contribution is just one way of recognizing that and of course giving back to the community.”
Lois Boroski
LEFSA Lifetime Membership
The number of lifetime memberships in the Lancaster Endowment Fund School Association continues to increase. The latest donation of this magnitude was received from class of 1966 alumna Judy Nordin Remer.
Board member Shannon Bowlin stated that she couldn’t get over the generosity of the community as exhibited by contributions like this. “It is gratifying to see this kind of monetary support for our infant organization. We are truly overwhelmed and appreciate every donation.”
Judy commented that she and her husband Danny are always looking for ways to keep the Lancaster community going strong. And, by creating an endowment for the benefit of The School, this appears to be a great way to do just that. “We also have a lot of confidence in the group that organized it and the transparency that has been exhibited. We’d encourage others who have an interest in our community to do the same.”
Danny and Judy Remer
Ron & Layl Nordin
LEFSA Receives First Lifetime Membership Donation
The Lancaster Endowment Fund School Association was excited to receive their first lifetime membership recently. The donation was from Class of 1963 graduate Ron Nordin, a well-known and admired community member and very successful entrepreneur. “We were very pleasantly surprised by Ron’s generous gift that will go toward building our endowment fund. And we are also very appreciative of his early show of support for our efforts as evidenced by this contribution.” commented LEFSA’s Secretary Mendy Coffield.
Regarding Ron’s charitable giving, he stated that “COLEG caught my attention as a great opportunity to help with scholarships for the graduates of LHS. After setting up a scholarship fund, I see LEFSA as a great opportunity to help the school stay and grow without adding taxes. My hat’s off to the founding and forward-looking members of these 2 groups.”
legacy society
legacy society
The Legacy Society was created for individuals that wish to see Lancaster School continue operating and that have made a financial commitment in support of this goal. These commitments can take the form of a bequest in a will or trust, as a designated beneficiary of an account which holds cash or other marketable securities, life insurance, a beneficiary designation of a tax-deferred or retirement account, real estate or any other asset of monetary value.
Legacy Society members who have informed LEFSA of their intentions will be recognized in numerous ways given their key role in ensuring the continual operation of Lancaster’s School. Being a part of this very important group brings with it lifetime membership in LEFSA. In addition, its members will be recognized in the Organization’s publications and other communications for their generosity and focus on the long-term viability of Lancaster’s education system.
Bequest through will or trust
Bequest of retirement plan assets
Life insurance beneficiary designation
Real Estate
Other
legacy society members:
legacy society members:
Fred Wilebski
The Lancaster Endowment Fund School Association recently received a contribution which had the effect of more than doubling the organization’s assets. It came in the form of a QCD (Qualified Charitable Distribution) from class of 1971 alumnus Fred Wilebski. Vice President C. J. Peterson said “This donation was a real shot in the arm for LEFSA coming less than a year after we organized. Given its size, we are incredibly moved by the impact we anticipate it will have. It really shows how much support we have been receiving from the community and those interested in the future of our school.”
When asked about the donation Fred said “I’ve been watching very closely from the sidelines as this group organized and thought what a great idea and wondered how I could support their mission. From what I’ve seen they have assembled a very top-notch team of board and committee members. The fact that IRS rules allow me to make this donation without any tax consequences from my IRA was also a nice bonus. I hope others will consider doing the same.”
The Lancaster Endowment Fund School Association (LEFSA) recently received an extremely generous cash contribution from PoDCO, a successful locally owned and operated business. Sarah Schmalz, LEFSA’s Treasurer stated “There are times when the actions and generosity of others leave a person speechless. PoDCo’s significant donation toward building our Endowment Fund is one of those times. LEFSA is helping to ensure the long-term success of Lancaster School for both our youth and the community. The trust and support that individuals and companies have placed in our organization is inspiring. Together, we are working diligently to achieve our goals and exceed expectations.” With this contribution, PoDCO becomes our inaugural member of LEFSA's Legacy Society. We are sincerely grateful for your kindness and support.
PoDCO recognizes the importance of the Lancaster School and the goals of LEFSA in trying to maintain and grow the institution that is considered the heartbeat of the community. A spokesperson shared that the contribution is an attempt to show their support for these efforts and hopefully will encourage others of a like mind to donate also.
Pictured are PoDCO Owners: Ron Nordin, Randy Nordin, Arlen Nordin, Galen Nordin, Faye Potrament and Superintendent Nicole Thompson.
If you would like more information about LEFSA, its mission, board or committees, inquiries can be forwarded to the secretary of the organization at mcoffield@lancaster.k12.mn.us or via telephone at (218) 762-5400.
PoDCo
LEFSA
Annual Meetings
The Annual Membership and Board of Director meetings are usually held at the end of February. In addition, a yearly Membership Drive and Fundraiser is typically held in conjuction with Lancaster's Frost Fest.
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