Kathy Nieber-Lathrop: Charitable giving after a 30-year career in the schools
Some people reinvent themselves after retirement, but that didn’t appeal to Kathy Nieber-Lathrop.
“After 30 years working with kids in grades kindergarten through 12, I knew after I retired from my school counselor position in MCPASD, I wanted – actually needed – to continue my involvement with the district and the Middleton community,” Nieber-Lathrop explains.
Her commitment to children and the community remains stronger than ever. Nieber-Lathrop currently serves as treasurer for the Clark Street Community School’s Governance Board and on MCPASD’s Internal Boundary Committee.
Earlier, she was involved with organizations including the Mayor’s Commission on Youth. She also served on the Education Foundation’s Board of Directors.
“I loved reviewing the grant applications and seeing the smiles on the staff’s and students’ faces when we awarded them,” she recalls of her time with the Foundation.
Now Nieber-Lathrop is making sure her commitment to education will have a long-lasting impact with a charitable giving legacy. Her unrestricted gift will go towards the Foundation’s highest priorities in its work to support the district’s efforts to improve student achievement across all demographic groups by focusing on equitable practices.
“I love kids,” she says. “My educational mantra has always been, ‘Let’s do what’s best for them.’ Enriching their education – what a great gift for them.”
Nieber-Lathrop adds, “I trust the Education Foundation’s board. They can use my legacy gift however they want.”
She offers tips for others considering making a legacy gift.
“Meet with your attorney and make a legacy gift in your will. Do it now,” Nieber-Lathrop advises. “For those of us who are seventy and one-half years old, we can make a contribution now from our required minimum distributions (RMDs), and the Foundation will get the amount before taxes. So, more money. Great idea, right?”
Learn more about planned giving at the Education Foundation.