PTO vs. LOSF
Both organizations matter. Both rely on parents. But they do different things, and a lot of people get them confused. Here's the difference.
Forest Hills PTO
Funds the experiences.
The PTO is just for Forest Hills. We fund the things that make the school year richer — field trips, classroom enrichment, after-school programs, teacher grants, community events, and the supplies that keep classrooms running. We can't hire teachers, and that's not our job.
- Field trips, art literacy, OBOB, Science Night
- Teacher grants and classroom supplies
- After-school programs and enrichment
- Community events: Carnival, Fun Run, Talent Show, Gala
- Staff appreciation and community building
Lake Oswego Schools Foundation
Funds the teachers.
LOSF is a district-wide nonprofit. Their job is straightforward: raise money to hire more teachers across every school in Lake Oswego. They don't fund classrooms, events, or buildings. Just teachers — because state funding for our district falls short by about $850 per student.
- Funds teaching positions across all LOSD schools
- Adds teachers the state funding doesn't cover
- Raises $1.5M annually toward this single purpose
- Includes elementary music and reading specialists
- Includes middle and high school electives in science, technology, and arts
The simple version:
Parent Clubs fund things.
Bond measures fund buildings.
The Foundation funds people — teachers.
— Lake Oswego Schools Foundation
Want to support LOSF too?
Most Forest Hills families give to both — they're complementary, not competing. Learn more about LOSF and how to donate.
Visit LOSF