February 2025 District 196 Foundation Meeting Recap
On Tuesday, February 11, 2025, 11 members of the District 196 Foundation board gathered via Zoom for a focused and productive meeting. The session was filled with updates, robust discussions, and several actionable items designed to keep the organization on track for a successful year-end.
Budget and Financial Updates
We began the meeting by reviewing the January 31 balance sheet for the first half of our fiscal year. Our Treasurer, Sarah Jackson, led the discussion, confirming that the budget remains solid and that all payments to groups have been completed.
We also revisited our emergency fund, a reserved amount of $5,000 approved at our last meeting. Additionally, we noted a budget deficit of approximately $15,000, which the board intends to invest in new programs aligned with our newly formulated mission statements. Chairwoman Hue Nguyen and Khia Bruce stressed the importance of developing messaging that adheres to our established rubric, and Katelyn Warburton graciously volunteered to draft the necessary budget request communications.
Fundraising Events and Initiatives
Our fundraising committee, led by Amy Stetzel, provided exciting updates on upcoming initiatives. The silent auction is scheduled for February 27, 2025, and currently features 24 items. Tracey Dwight has taken charge of the auction and established a dedicated website, which is presently under review by Khia Bruce. Save-the-date emails are slated for distribution next week, with further reminders planned for the day of the event.
Logistical details of the auction were thoroughly discussed. Secretary Dilip Nayak raised questions regarding shipping charges and item collection, and Amy is developing a strategy to manage these aspects. Social media efforts are also underway: Amy, Theo Pollock, and Lizzie Kerr are working on promotional posts, while Hue and Khia emphasized that all communications should be simultaneously distributed via our mailing lists.
There will also be an initiative on all social media platforms to increase traffic to the Foundation’s website and bring more awareness to the Foundation’s actions and initiatives. This will be headed by Lizzie, Amy, Theo, and Tracey.
An additional proposal was discussed—a social networking event for board members and their families to be held during the auction’s bidding hours. Looking ahead, the board also considered launching a teacher appreciation initiative as our next fundraiser, with planning scheduled to commence before the subsequent board meeting in April.
Policy and Strategic Updates
In policy matters, our updated Board Financial Policy received final approval. Key revisions include the incorporation of our official logo into the document, the formal establishment of the $5,000 reserve fund, and the introduction of a directive regarding the minimum drawdown percentage of our assets.
On the strategic front, Vice Chair Justin Emmerich presented a draft of our Mission/Vision/Goals statement, which was developed during the period from October through December. Further review with the Finance Committee is planned to refine this vital component of our strategic framework.
This meeting marked a significant step forward in both our financial management and our strategic planning. With a clear focus on upcoming fundraising events and the continuous refinement of our policies and mission, the District 196 Foundation is well-positioned to meet its year-end goals and set the stage for future success.