Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Philanthropy Programs topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Oxford Realty pledges $50,000 per year to preserve elementary intramurals; board accepts donation
Summary
Oxford Realty committed $50,000 annually (conceptual five‑year commitment) to keep elementary intramural programs after budget realignment. The board approved the donation agreement while members flagged a clause about returning unspent restricted funds to the donor for clarification.
The Grand Forks Public School District No. 1 board voted June 8 to accept a donation agreement from Oxford Realty that will underwrite the district’s elementary intramural program. Administration said the donor pledged $50,000 per year, with an initial conceptual commitment of five years, to help retain after‑school intramurals removed in budget realignment.
Administration said the program typically costs about $60,000 before registration fees and that registration net expense after fees is approximately $45,000. Mr. Baumbach explained the structure and terms: "Oxford Realty had reached out ... they have made a commitment of $50,000 per year with the opportunity to check‑in year to year," and he emphasized that the district maintains control over the program and that student fees (either $12.50 per session or a $35 annual option) would continue.
Board members welcomed the gift but asked for clarity about donor language requiring return of unexpended restricted funds. Dr. Hodak questioned the clause and asked what would happen if participation were low: "What if there are dollars left over at the end of the year?" Administration replied that the legal draft contemplates returning unexpended restricted funds unless both parties agree otherwise and suggested clarifying the carryover or return policy with the donor.
The board approved the donation agreement by roll call (motion passed; recorded eight yes votes, zero no, one absent). Board members and administrators said they would follow up with the donor and legal counsel to confirm how carryover and unused funds will be treated in practice and to ensure eligible expenditures are clearly defined.
The gift preserves intramural offerings at all elementary sites, keeps the district in charge of programming and registration, and keeps scholarship or fee‑waiver provisions for students qualifying under the district’s free and reduced lunch rules.
