District approves consultant contract to form ‘Generations for Generations’ education foundation

The Anthony Board of Education approved entering a contract with a consultant, effective Aug. 15 through April 1, at a cost described in the meeting as $31,500, to help the district form an education foundation and create bylaws and a nonprofit board. The superintendent and treasurer described the donation that enabled the consulting work and said the foundation is intended to be a separate 501(c)(3) entity. The superintendent introduced the initiative and said the district has received a donation to “enter into an agreement” to begin establishing the foundation, which the district is tentatively calling Generations for Generations. The superintendent said the foundation’s stated purpose will be to “raise and manage private donations” to support projects and programs that district funds cannot cover, and to build alumni and community partnerships. Why it matters: The district said the foundation will create a separate bank account and governing board to handle private funds for academics, the arts, athletics and an endowment. The treasurer said the consultant contract and donation are the immediate next steps; the board approved the consent item that included the contract and donation acceptance. Supporting details: District leaders said they are recruiting initial board members and hope to name a president for the inaugural foundation board. The superintendent said hiring an assistant superintendent this year will free time for her to focus on external relationship-building, while a new assistant handles more internal work. Limits and process: The superintendent emphasized the foundation will be a separate entity from the district and that the district’s approval authorizes staff to proceed with contracting and organizing the foundation. No bylaws or board appointments were finalized at the meeting. Next steps: The district will complete the consultant work, pursue 501(c)(3) status, draft bylaws and recruit the foundation board before any private funds are placed into a separate foundation account.