Reports say that Perry was drawn to Finland Middle School on Friday after seeing a TV report about teacher Mary Mulvany starting a foundation to raise scholarship money to cover fees.
South-Western schools earned national attention when athletics and extra-curricular activities were eliminated after a failed levy in 2009.
The ballot request was later approved by voters, and sports, clubs and other activities were resurrected for a fee.
Perry says he wants to sponsor as many children as possible and wants part of the money to go toward Finland and some to the foundation.