August 2024 District 196 Foundation Board Meeting Summary
Date: August 13th, 2024
Attendees: Twelve Board Members, Special Guest: District 196 Superintendent Michael Bolsoni
1. Welcome and Introduction
Mr. Michael Bolsoni, the Superintendent of District 196, made a special appearance at our meeting. He introduced himself and shared valuable insights about the district, expressing his appreciation for the Foundation’s efforts in supporting District 196's objectives. The board members warmly welcomed his involvement, recognizing it as a positive step towards strengthening the relationship between district leadership and the Foundation.
2. Financial Overview
Our newly instated and highly appreciated Treasurer, Sarah Jackson, presented the financial statements for the fiscal year 2023-2024. Sarah explained the balance sheet and the profit and loss statement in detail, providing an overview of the board’s net income and total expenses. The figures she presented highlighted the Foundation’s healthy financial status and the prudent fiscal management that has been in place.
3. Fundraising Plan for 2024-2025
Amy Stetzel laid out the fundraising strategy for the upcoming fiscal year, focusing on a new approach that emphasizes multiple mini-events instead of relying on a single annual event. This shift aims to mitigate risks and stabilize the Foundation’s fundraising efforts by diversifying our sources of donations. During the discussion, Tracey Dwight suggested that enhancing communication about the Foundation’s activities could boost community involvement. Theo Pollock and Sarah Jackson supported this idea by proposing that meeting minutes and financial data be published on the Foundation’s website, fostering greater transparency.
4. Budget Discussion
Sarah Jackson presented two budget options for 2025, and after careful consideration, the board approved Budget B. This option proposes increased spending in crucial programmatic areas such as Band for All, Every Meal, the Summer Reading Program, and Individual Requests. The discussion also addressed the long-term impact of recurring expenses, particularly in basic needs categories, emphasizing the importance of sustainable financial planning to ensure the Foundation’s ongoing ability to support these vital programs.
5. Communication Strategy Review
The board reviewed the use of video as a communication tool on the Foundation’s website. After deliberating between continuing with video presentations or shifting to in-person meetings with donors, the board unanimously agreed to maintain the video format. The consensus was that videos are highly effective in conveying the Foundation’s objectives. Additionally, the Finance Committee will take the lead in reviewing the Foundation’s mission and goals to ensure they remain aligned with those of District 196, thereby reinforcing the Foundation’s relevance and effectiveness in supporting the district’s educational mission.
Adjournment
The meeting concluded with a positive outlook for the Foundation's future initiatives and a continued strong collaboration with District 196.