At the June 3 retreat, board members reviewed options for external revenue and reserve stabilization after a difficult budget cycle. Discussion ranged from sponsorship banners in gyms and school-branded donor acknowledgements to strategic partnerships with the district’s foundation and local media outlets.

Trustees said they want a practical, legally compliant approach to fundraising that does not overburden PTOs. Ideas included: floor-level acknowledgements such as donor bricks, modest naming acknowledgements for major donors, sponsorship signage for gymnasiums and sports facilities, targeted grant-seeking for curricular projects, and occasional fundraising events coordinated with the district foundation (referred to in the meeting as FREP).

Board members emphasized legal and procedural limits. One trustee noted that revenue partnerships and sponsorships must comply with board policy and be routed through the proper nonprofit or foundation entities. Board members also discussed the mechanics of accepting large donations or planned gifts and asked staff to investigate how the district and its foundation handle tax-deductible receipts and donation administration.

Reserve fund goals were raised: one board member asked whether the board should set a target for reserve growth to improve fiscal stability. Members agreed this was an appropriate district-level fiscal goal but urged caution about pinning a hard numeric target for the current year because of uncertain enrollment and out-of-district costs.

The board asked administration to reengage with the district foundation, identify specific revenue-building proposals and return with a prioritized list of sponsorship, grant, and donation opportunities — and with legal guidance on acceptable forms of recognition and donor acknowledgment.