Manhattan Ogden Public Schools Foundation unveils tuition-assistance plan for low-income students

Heather Lansdowne, president of the Manhattan Ogden Public Schools Foundation, told the USD 383 board on July 16 that the foundation's finances are stable and that most funds are endowed for specific programs, limiting discretionary dollars.

"Nearly all of our funds ... are endowed funds that are earmarked for very specific projects," Lansdowne said, describing how earmarked endowments reduce expendable funds for new requests.

Lansdowne described the YES funds grant program, which supports after-school and summer programs, and said the foundation received roughly $140,000 in teacher requests this year while having "less than a 100,000 of yes funds" available (including carryover). To cover additional requests, the foundation tapped some endowed funds designated for music and reading to support programming.

Lansdowne highlighted a revived tuition-assistance-for-college-coursework (TAC) program intended to help low-income Manhattan High School students pay for college courses taken while in high school. Under the plan the foundation developed with the counseling office and local colleges, the foundation will offer stipends that provide a 75% match on college-course tuition for eligible students; Lansdowne said the foundation raised initial funds through Grow Green and expects to launch the stipends this fall, although she said participation levels are "not specified" at this time.

Lansdowne also described the foundation's ongoing scholarship work and the Major Saver fundraiser. She asked board members and community members to contact foundation board members if they have questions or want to direct donations to specific programs.

The presentation did not require board action; Lansdowne said the foundation will return with details as the TAC rollout proceeds.