New way to fund education

In 2002 Linda Menard had a vision of a foundation for the Mat-Su Schools. Her concept of a private/public fundraising entity for the Mat-Su schools finally became a functional reality in 2008.

A diverse and experienced board of directors accomplished the IRS non-profit and other regulatory status. Then an endowment fund with the Alaska Community Fund was established. The Mat-Su Schools Foundation can now accept charitable giving and restricted donor gifts for the purposes of funding educational programs.

This week the Mat-Su Schools Foundation is working on its strategic plan to further accomplish its new mission. Fundraising will occur for both unrestricted funds and restricted endowments for future educational needs.

There is unique, excellent and innovative funding that can now occur for specific educational programs identified by teachers. Last week the Mat-Su Schools Foundation funded eight specific grants or gifts to teachers.

Applicant School Students Served Project

Claudia Berkley Glacier View 6-12 grade Classroom sets of “Fahrenheit 451” and “The Hound of the Baskervilles” with posters

Paula Davies Meadow Lakes 1-5 grade Materials to make Native drums and Kuspuks for music performance

Karen James, RN Colony High 9-12 grade “Fatal Vision” kit alcohol and driving

Barb Smith Meadow Lakes 5h grade Using photography as a motivational tool to understand the elements of art

Elizabeth Chinama Snowshoe Seward Sea Life Center and Resurrection Bay Boat field trip

Joe Page Talkeetna 6th grade “Project Ocean” Sea Life Center and Center for Alaska Coastal Studies

Mary Ann Holmquist Pioneer Peak 4th grade Make Native reed baskets as students immerse themselves in Alaska studies

Carol Taylor, RN Teeland Middle School Science Olympiad

Our community can be pleased with being one of the first and leading school foundations being established in Alaska. We may become a model for how Alaska funds education needs in the future.

Linda Conover, President and Dan Kennedy, VP and former President

Mat-Su Schools Foundation