The executive director of the Issaquah Schools Foundation is making a special plea for people to continue their support or the organization to combat the reduction in state money for education.

“No doubt you have read about Governor Gregoire’s recently released state budget,” Robin Callahan said in an e-mail to supporters. “Under it, the Issaquah School District was stripped of about $3.17 million in revenue, which resulted in an unprecedented $1 million mid-year budget cut.

According to school superintendent Dr. Steve Rasmussen, the impact will be felt districtwide.

“If I have said we were down to the bone before now, this starts cutting into the marrow of classroom operations,” Rasmussen said.

Callahan said the foundation anticipates the district having larger class sizes and less money for curriculum updates.

“In this scenario, foundation support will be critical to the district’s ability to provide students with the comprehensive 21st century education they deserve and that the marketplace demands,” Callahan said.

The foundation has pledged to held the district in any way it can, Callahan said. To do that, it needs people to honor any pledges they have made to the foundation to support schools.

The foundation helps support:

* Free after-school homework assistance from classroom teachers.

* VOICE Mentors for K-12 students at all schools.

* National Board Certification and High Leverage Practice training to equip teachers with tools to increase classroom effectiveness and student achievement.

* Classroom equipment, books, technology, music and arts programs that rely on foundation funded Academic Enrichment Grants.

More than ever, Callahan said, community support will determine the quality of education in the district.

“Let’s work together to make sure that despite economic conditions, our students will continue to receive an education that is nothing short of world-class.”