When former Littleton Public Schools Superintendent Scott Murphy retired, he left behind not only a record of strong leadership but also a lasting vision to advance mental health and well-being for LPS families.

It was in the aftermath of the tragic shooting at Arapahoe High School that Scott recognized a need for mental health resources for parents and students. He shared, “Parents were desperate for help, any help. We (the district) wanted to support them and let them know that their child had a place.”

Scott also wanted students to understand that it was okay to talk about their feelings. He knew that students were struggling; they needed support, and the district needed to take action. So, with the help of then LPS Foundation Executive Director Beth Best and the LPS Board of Education, the Legacy Fund for Mental Health was established. One of the original goals of the Legacy Fund was to increase the number of counselors available in schools. Another was to create resources for parents.

What began as a seed of an idea has grown into a cornerstone of the Foundation’s work. Thanks to Scott Murphy’s foresight and the generosity of our community, the Legacy Fund for Mental Health has raised over $1 million since 2014, providing critical support for programs that help students manage stress, build resilience, and find hope. From wellness initiatives and counseling support to educator grants and partnerships with local health providers, the Fund has brought vital resources into schools, reduced stigma, and kept the conversation about mental wellness at the forefront. 

When we asked Scott how he felt about seeing the Legacy Fund continue to grow and serve, he paused for a moment and said, “Hopeful.”  Scott, we couldn’t agree more. 

To learn more about The Legacy Fund for Mental Health, visit our website. To learn more about supporting mental health resources for LPS, please contact Stefanie Carroll, Executive Director, at scarroll@lps.k12.co.us or 303-347-3478.