Board explores creating a school foundation to solicit donations and support programs

District leaders told the Board of Education on July 16 they are beginning work to create a philanthropic vehicle — potentially a 501(c)(3) foundation or a philanthropy fund — to solicit donations that would support academics, STEM, career programs and athletics. A staff member said an individual donor has offered seed support to cover consulting work and that the district will consult its attorney about legal structure and how donated funds would be received and spent. "The district isn't having to pay any money. It's being donated," the presenter said. Staff said they are developing a timeline, working on mission and messaging, and planning outreach and informational meetings for community members and potential donors. They also said they will clarify how a foundation would interact with existing booster and support organizations and will publish further details as plans firm up. Board members were invited to attend future informational meetings and to raise questions about oversight, overlap with existing groups, and governance once a proposal is ready for formal consideration. No board action was taken at the meeting.