Aberdeen Public Schools Foundation reports $2.5 million in assets, highlights grants and scholarships

The Aberdeen Public Schools Foundation reported to the Aberdeen School District 06-1 board on Sept. 22 that its assets have grown to $2,513,395 and that the organization has distributed more than $1,900,000 in grants and scholarships since 2004.

"We went from just a few thousand dollars to now we have over $2,500,000 in assets since 1992," Griffin Sharp, the foundation presenter, told the board during the group's annual report. Sharp described grants and programs the foundation funded this year, including support for an esports team to host a state tournament at Aberdeen Central High School, an elementary math pilot called Number Ninjas, and the Rising Scholars dual-credit program.

The foundation said 90 students received Rising Scholars book grants covering work for 130 dual-credit classes, and it paid testing fees for 19 students who qualify for free and reduced-price meals. Sharp also described health-and-wellness grants for staff and Golden Apple awards that include $500 prizes for winners and recognition for nominees.

Sharp described several new and growing funding mechanisms: three new endowments and one restricted scholarship fund established during the year; an ongoing matching challenge from donor Ken Meyer (a $20,000 match opportunity through year-end); and a plan to convert more alumni communications to digital distribution. The foundation also completed a yearbook digitization project and reported that, because of community donors and endowments, it provided $2,279 for direct student needs this year (socks, underwear, winter coats) and awarded more than $73,000 in scholarships in the last year.

The presentation included local-donor items: an original 1866 Dakota territory map donated by John Miller, to be displayed at Aberdeen Central High School for at least 10 years, and announcements about Hall of Fame and community events the foundation organizes or supports.

Board members praised the foundation’s work and its role filling needs the district’s general budget does not cover. Several board members and attendees noted the foundation’s success in expanding alumni engagement, fundraising and targeted grants. Sharp said the foundation is exploring periodic meetings with peer school foundations to share best practices and to mentor new foundation volunteers.

The board did not take formal action on the foundation report; the presentation concluded with time for questions and comments.