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Ralston Schools Foundation holds more than $2 million; board discusses scholarship endowments and investment strategy
Summary
Foundation reported assets exceeding $2 million, including $1.1 million in investments and $317,000 in restricted scholarships. Trustees discussed increasing daycare rates to meet an expected $15 minimum wage and heard that alumni contributions drove better‑than‑expected results versus budget.
A representative of the Ralston Schools Foundation told the board on Oct. 27 that the foundation’s balance exceeded $2 million at fiscal year end, with roughly $1.1 million in investments, about $600,000 in checking and approximately $317,000 held as restricted scholarship funds.
The foundation’s profit and loss results outperformed the budget; administration said unpredictable alumni contributions and stronger fundraising pushed actuals well above planned revenue. The district noted some endowed scholarships are housed in the community foundation and therefore are not reflected in the district’s QuickBooks balance sheet provided at the meeting.
Trustees discussed how to steward the accumulated resources going forward: the foundation plans an upcoming meeting with a Nebraska Community Foundation advisor to review investment strategy and scholarship payout rules. Board members asked staff to consider whether the foundation should formalize longer‑term goals for scholarship amounts and program support.
Operations staff also noted the foundation and district may need to adjust tiny‑program (daycare) rates to accommodate the pending $15 minimum wage increase; administration said any rate changes would be proposed carefully given family financial stress and the district’s desire to remain competitive with other providers.
