Beloit board hears $2.5 million Hendricks Foundation literacy offer, raises sustainability concerns

Interim Superintendent Dr. Anderson told the School District of Beloit Board that the Hendricks Family Foundation has proposed giving $2,500,000 to support roughly 60 slots in an Open Literacy program paired with Skyrocket professional development for staff. He said Lisa Furstis, who presented the proposal at a prior meeting, agreed to return to answer board questions before any vote.

The proposal’s structure and requirements prompted detailed questions from board members. Amy Levy asked whether the grant’s requirement that the board act unanimously to accept the offer was accurate, saying, “That feels manipulative to me.” Dr. Anderson said the foundation wanted the board’s full support because the project would run for more than three years, adding, “The reason they put Unanimous in is they wanted to make sure that they had the entire support of the board if they were gonna go forward because this is going to be a project that would last over 3 years.”

Board members pressed on program scope and sustainability. Carol Fox noted potential funding sources and urged prompt action, saying, “We really can’t wait.” Megan Miller said she would welcome additional programming but raised long-term questions: “When we think about the sustainability up against the fiscal issues that we have, I have to wonder if it would just be more sustainable to invest dollars into a volunteer stipended volunteer program that would compensate local beloiters to do in-person regular reading tutoring.” Miller asked for clearer information about how the program would fit into the district’s existing multi-tiered supports.

Dr. Anderson said administrators would collect board questions and invite Furstis back to respond at a future meeting; he suggested a vote could occur at a meeting in February after members have had their questions answered. He also said there could be flexibility in how the 60 slots were used over time and that the district could choose to purchase additional seats.

What happens after the three-year period and how the gift would be recorded in district finances were outstanding questions board members asked administrators to clarify before any formal action. The board agreed to compile written questions for staff to forward to the presenter and to include the item on an upcoming agenda for additional discussion and potential decision.