LEAF announces two-year waiver of middle-school activity fees, highlights $3M-plus in grants to District 742

The Local Education Activities Foundation (LEAF) told the St. Cloud Public School District Board on March 19 that it has provided more than $3,000,000 in grants to District 742 programs over its history and will fund elimination of middle‑school activity fees for two years starting in the 2025–26 school year.

The announcement was delivered by Diane Moller, who identified herself as the 2024 LEAF president. “Starting in the 2025, 26 school year, LEAF will fund the elimination of 2 years worth of middle school activity fees for all students,” Moller said. She said the change aims to remove participation barriers for students in activities from soccer to robotics.

Board members and district staff heard LEAF describe its funding priorities, including classroom grants, endowments for academics and activities, participation funds for students in need, and targeted supports such as crisis shelter assistance. Moller said LEAF’s “adopt a classroom” program lets families, businesses and community members sponsor classrooms through high school and credited generous public support for the foundation’s principal revenue source.

A member of the public during the information item raised concerns about the foundation’s public transparency. The commenter said the LEAF website has not been regularly updated and that financial reports and meeting minutes appear out of date: “If I go online and look at the website for LEAF, most of it hasn’t been updated for 2 to 3 years,” the commenter said. The speaker urged LEAF to restore current financials and minutes so donors can verify how funds are used.

LEAF representatives told the board they are aware of the website issues and are discussing the problem at an upcoming LEAF retreat. Moller said the foundation has hired someone to work on the site and that the board and executive director intend to address transparency concerns.

LEAF also reviewed recent awards and recognitions, including grants to South Junior High for sports equipment and several annual awards given at the foundation’s meeting. The presentation noted LEAF’s long history in the community and its two endowed funds for activities and academics.

Board members asked clarifying questions about the fee waiver and LEAF operations; one board member said the elimination of fees will allow the district to evaluate whether removing the cost barrier affects participation or enrollment. LEAF said details on implementation and which fees will be waived were discussed as part of the presentation but did not announce additional formal actions by the district at the meeting.

The board’s information session concluded with thanks to the LEAF presenters and to district staff who coordinate the partnership.