About Us
The Solana Beach Schools Foundation is a volunteer parent-led, non-profit organization that raises money to help bridge the gap between state-funded curricula and the educational needs we have for all students. The SBSF helps fund supplies, technology, and salaries for our award-winning Discovery Lab classes and Kitchen and Garden learning experiences, which provide a well-rounded, best-in-class education for our children.
Our 2026-27 Executive Team
Strong support makes for a strong school
Paige Shum
President
Robert Jacobs
Chief Financial Officer
Laura Green
VP Marketing
Ashley Hirano
Recording Secretary
Iris Whelan
Governance Chair
Wei Chen
VP School Site Development
Kathleen Coughlan
VP Business Development
Our 2026-27 Site Presidents
Solana Ranch
Site Presidents
Holly Selepec
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Christy Wenger
PTO Presidents
​Jing Cai
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Nisha Shah
Solana Pacific
Site Presidents
Patrick Boogaerts​
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PTO Presidents
Kelle Montegue
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Elizabeth Kubiak
Carmel Creek
Site Presidents
​Juliana Bonilla
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Stefanie Matsuoka-Luning
PTO President
Rachel Kessler
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Iris Schinke
Solana Highlands
Site Presidents
​Erika Bassirian
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Soheila Beck
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Skyline
Site Presidents
​Diantha LaVine
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Jessica Trogler
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Solana Vista
Site Presidents
​Lauren Alexander Ghatan​​​​​
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Laura Welty
Our 2026-27 Members at Large
Kristoffer Kelly
Olivian Pitis
Caroline Smith
Our Staff
Valerie Charat
Executive Director
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Tiffany Hornsten
Financial Accountant
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Annie Connors
Communications and Business Sponsorship Coordinator Manager
Our Mission
The mission of the Solana Beach Schools Foundation (SBSF) is to nurture curious minds, build community, and ensure every student’s enriched learning journey by providing essential funding.
Our Vision
Inspire wonder and discovery in learning and life
Our Values
1. Focused on Students:
We believe all students deserve access to high-quality, District-developed enrichment opportunities during the school day
2. Community Awareness and Understanding:
We are liaisons to families, educators, and community partners that celebrate and amplify the value of the enhanced educational opportunities provided by the District and funded with help from donations.
3. Empowerment Through Funding:
We adapt and evolve with the District, raising funds for targeted, equitable discovery experiences and programming benefiting all students at our six supported school sites
4. Enhanced School/Community Collaboration:
We strive to maintain strong relationships with both the district - including administration, Discovery teachers and staff - and with PTOs/PTAs to help foster relationships among the school, parents, teachers and community