Family gives $112,000 to 3 schools
By Stephanie Bertholdo bertholdo@theacorn.com

STEPHANIE BERTHOLDO/Acorn Newspapers GIVING- Members of Las Virgenes Unified School District gather to thank the Gallop family for their generous donation. From left, LVUSD Superintendent Sandra Smyser; Willow Principal Garry Galvon; Laura, Brian, David and Michael Gallop; Lindero Principal Ron Kaiser and Agoura High Principal Larry Misel. The donation was the largest single family donation in the history of the school district.

Gratitude for the high quality of education the Las Virgenes Unified School District provides has prompted a local family to donate $112,000 to three schools.

"This is the largest single gift in the history of the schools," Deputy Superintendent Donald Zimring said at a recent school board meeting where Michael and Laura Gallop's generosity was commended.

The Gallops donated the money to be shared evenly by Willow Elementary, Lindero Canyon Middle School and Agoura High School, Superintendent Sandra Smyser said.

The three principals- Garry Galvan of Willow Elementary, Lindero Canyon's Ron Kaiser and Larry Misel of Agoura High School- attended the meeting and thanked the Gallops for their sizable donation.

"We're happy to be able to do this," Laura Gallop said. "The schools have been an integral part of our happiness in this community. We think they're fantastic."

The Gallops moved to Agoura Hills in 1998 from Northern California based on the positive reputation of the local schools.

"Clearly, Las Virgenes has a stellar reputation as an outstanding school district," Michael Gallop said in a subsequent interview.

The Gallops have been active in their children's schools for many years. Laura heads the joga-thon at Willow Elementary and both parents volunteer in their children's classes. Brian Gallop is a fourthgrade student at Willow Elementary, and David Gallop is a seventh-grader at Lindero Canyon.

"It just was something we felt we wanted to do," said Michael Gallop, an estate planner. "We wanted to give back in a substantial way."

The Gallops are no strangers to school donations. They have donated large gifts to their children's classes every year since entering the district. Computer equipment donated years ago by the Gallops is still being used in one of Willow's kindergarten classes.

Although the schools have yet to determine how the money will be used, Michael Gallop said he and his wife would like the funds to be spent on student programs that will have the greatest impact over the longest amount of time.

Principals at each school are considering several options and will report back to the school board.

Board president Terilyn Finders thanked the Gallops on behalf of the school board. And "thank you to all of the parents who contribute to the schools," Finders said.