SPRINGDALE — The Springdale Public Schools Education Foundation’s first capital campaign has raised about $50,000 toward its goal of $300,000 for 2013, according to the foundation director.
“I still think ($300,000) is a very realistic number,” said Chris Stecklein, director.
The foundation formed in 2011. It raises money to provide college scholarships for Springdale graduates and grants for teachers in the district.
At A Glance
How To Contribute
The Springdale Public Schools Education Foundation was created to enhance the quality of education in the School District by procuring and providing the necessary money for programs not otherwise funded by the district.
The foundation accepts cash or checks, corporate matching money and gifts of securities.
Starting Monday, the foundation’s website also will be able to accept donations by debit or credit card, said Chris Stecklein, director.
Checks may be mailed to the foundation at 800 E. Emma Ave. Suite 327, Springdale, 72764. For additional information call 479-365-2696 or email [email protected].
Source: Staff Report
The foundation kicked off this capital campaign in November. The $300,000 would be enough to cover its cost of operations for the next three years, Stecklein said.
The campaign is embarking on a phase with pamphlets that will be mailed Friday to about 2,000 households, Stecklein said.
Targeted addresses include people who have lived in Springdale for a while, meaning they likely have or have had children in the schools, Stecklein said.
The mailer will introduce the foundation, explaining what it does and how people can get involved.
“We’ve been around a little over a year and a half, and people are beginning to hear about us, but they don’t necessarily understand what we do,” Stecklein said. “We have to broaden our donor base. The whole point of this is to get the public involved in the kids and their education. We want to convey the message that everybody can contribute to that.”
Last year the foundation awarded 17 college scholarships worth a total of $22,000 from seven funds. About the same amount will be awarded this year.
Applications for this year’s scholarships will be available March 14. Awards will be announced at the Springdale High and Springdale Har-Ber senior assemblies May 10 and May 16, respectively.
The foundation also awarded 21 grants valued at $19,600 last year to teachers for various classroom initiatives. There were 79 grant applications.
Jayme Kain, a music teacher at George Elementary, received an $800 grant from the foundation to establish a ukulele club at her school. That was enough money to buy 10 ukuleles.
A ukulele resembles a small guitar. The George Giant Ukulele Club meets Mondays after school for 45 minutes.
“It’s really created a sense of pride among our kids,” Kain said. “They’re really excited and enthusiastic about playing the ukulele.”
The grant provided the school an activity it will be able to continue for years to come, she said.
While raising money, the foundation also is working to expand its Superintendent’s Circle, which is made up of area businesses willing to donate at least $5,000 per year for five years. So far the circle has five members: Arvest Bank, Baldwin and Shell Construction Co., Cox Communications, Harps Food Stores and Ozark Film and Video.
Members receive invitations to exclusive functions with district leaders, and each company’s name and logo is displayed and linked on the foundation’s website, spsef.org.
Mike McFarland, president of the foundation’s Board of Directors, said the goal is to grow the Superintendent’s Circle to 20 members. That would take care of the foundation’s operating expenses, he said, freeing up more money for grants.
“Giving back to the schools is our main focus,” McFarland said.
The foundation also runs Cornerstones, a program that recognizes distinguished alumni, patrons and retired employees of the Springdale School District. The third annual Cornerstones celebration will be held later this year. Last year’s event drew 170 people.
“We’re beginning to look at nominations for the 2013 Cornerstones class,” Stecklein said.
In addition, the foundation hopes to expand its social media presence and its contribution methods.