Vermillion Schools Foundation asks district to continue funding executive director role

The Vermillion Public Schools Foundation asked the Vermillion School District 13-1 Board of Education on Feb. 10 to continue the district contribution that helps fund the foundation’s executive director position.

Andy Schultz, treasurer for the Vermillion Public Schools Foundation, told the board the foundation’s assets have grown and highlighted programs supported by the nonprofit. Schultz said the foundation’s asset size is “almost 1,300,000,” up from about $1.1 million a year earlier, and that operating dollars for staff remain difficult to secure.

Schultz said the foundation was requesting the district provide the same contribution as last year and that the foundation would seek a 1.25% raise for the executive director “in line with the state budget,” noting budgets are uncertain. Schultz identified the executive director by first name, Mary, and said the foundation preferred the raise be funded by a foundation stipend rather than direct district payroll changes.

Dr. Elvey, superintendent, told the board the district’s recommendation was to continue paying the executive director’s base salary from district funds and allow the foundation to pay any approved raise as a stipend that the foundation would provide to the district. That approach was described as a way to keep payroll and fiscal calendars aligned because the executive director’s contract runs on a different calendar year than the district fiscal year.

Board members later approved a motion that bundled multiple agenda items (items a–g) including continuation of payments discussed in the foundation presentation. The motion to approve items a through g was moved by Mark (board member) and seconded by Carol (board member); the board voice vote passed.

The foundation’s materials, Schultz said, include a newsletter and detail programs such as teacher gifts, an endowment for professional development, scholarships and equipment donations to the high school. Schultz emphasized the operating expense challenge and asked the board to maintain the district contribution while the foundation continues to seek other revenue sources.

The board did not adopt separate, itemized language in the meeting minutes describing a multi-year contract or stipulation; the district superintendent described a recommended administrative arrangement for handling any raise through a foundation stipend.

The board also approved the bundled agenda motion that contained this funding continuation; the vote was recorded by voice as passed.

Ending: The foundation plans to continue fundraising and said it will work with the district on the paperwork needed to route a foundation-funded stipend for any raise. The foundation’s requested contribution amount was referenced in its materials to the board; the transcript did not include a clearly stated numeric figure for that contribution in the public remarks.