As part of our Back-to-School Community Partner Thank You Series, Lansing USD469 is recognizing the businesses, organizations, churches, and volunteers who have helped our students and staff start the 2026-2027 school year strong.

Our first Community Partner Spotlight is Morris Smith Ford of Leavenworth for its generous support of Lansing Elementary students and classrooms.

Morris Smith III, owner of Morris Smith Ford, reached out with a desire to make a difference specifically at Lansing Elementary School. As a local business owner and parent of two LES students, Mr. Smith worked with Principal Chad Eshbaugh and school staff to identify needs where his company's support could have the greatest impact.

That collaboration included support for backpacks for Lansing Elementary students in need as well as classroom items identified by LES staff. One need that rose to the top was kindermats for the school's early childhood and kindergarten students, an area Smith specifically committed to supporting.

Throughout the planning process, Smith emphasized that his priority was making sure the resources provided to Lansing Elementary would have a direct impact on LES students and teachers.

The support is also intended to be more than a one-time donation. Morris Smith Ford has expressed an interest in continuing its relationship with Lansing Elementary through future school involvement and sponsorship opportunities.

We appreciate Morris Smith Ford for investing in Lansing Elementary, supporting our teachers, and helping LES students begin the school year with resources that can make a difference both in and out of the classroom.

Thank you, Morris Smith Ford, for supporting Lansing Elementary and helping our Lansing Lions start the year strong!