Kristen Davis, president of the North Polk Foundation, told the school board the foundation’s mission is to “enhance, enrich and supplement” educational opportunities beyond the district’s regular budget and to direct donations where they reach the greatest number of students.

Davis described the foundation as a separate 501(c)(3) that partners with the district but makes independent fiscal decisions. She said the foundation has about 19 directors who collectively support fundraising and outreach and that committees handle grants, scholarships and special projects.

On grants and spending, Davis said the foundation returns roughly 40% of previous‑year fundraising to classroom grant applicants; this year it received 18 applications and planned to award 16 grants. She summarized recent special projects and pledged amounts: approximately $126,000 has been granted to date this fiscal cycle, the foundation holds a checking account (~$27,000), a money‑market (~$34,000) and an endowment of about $90,000 with the Greater Des Moines Foundation (the endowment has a typical 5% annual spend rule). She noted specific pledges, including $15,000 toward a 4‑Mile Creek science project and $10,000 for welders in industrial arts.

Davis also described the Comet Compassion Fund, which the foundation holds for immediate student needs such as eyeglasses, therapy or emergency assistance; she said those funds are released following staff requests (for example, via the superintendent or nurses). The foundation’s largest fundraiser remains Celebrate North Polk (this year scheduled for May 30), and Davis asked the board for continued partnership to sustain volunteer capacity and grant‑matching requirements for Polk City/Polk County Betterment grants.

Board members thanked Davis for the detailed overview and discussed ways the district can publicize foundation programs and collaborate on priorities. The presentation concluded with questions about the foundation’s bylaws, quorum requirements for fiscal votes and recruiting alumni and volunteers.