Foundation helps kids

The Sisters Schools Foundation is making its first major distribution of funds to children of the district.

On September 18, the board voted to distribute $22,075 to a variety of programs, according to chair Rod Morris. This distribution is in addition to targeted funds, such as those set aside for special projects like the building of four classrooms at the elementary school, and those dedicated by donors to specific events or projects, such as the drama club.

Targeted donations total $460,759, with the bulk of these going to the building of the elementary classrooms.

The 1997 income statement also includes $6800 in an endowment fund. Morris said "we have a fairly conservative investment policy that guides the investment of those funds. The endowment fund is invested through AG Edwards into two mutual funds."

Morris said "we have also kept in reserve $3,000 for requests we expect to come in throughout the year."

The Foundation retains control over the money, according to Morris, even funds which have been allocated to specific targets. As the programs need it, they request the money.

"We can write a check right to the vendor. That is what will be done, particularly for larger items," Morris said.

As an example, for the non-funded portion of the soccer program, the vendor for uniforms billed the foundation directly.

The Sisters Schools Foundation was authorized in 1996 by the School Board. The nonprofit corporation was created to oversee and coordinate fund-raising projects by school-related groups, to spearhead major fund-raising projects and to provide a tax deductible vehicle for contributors.

The foundation considers many criteria when disbursing funds to school groups, such as the number of students affected, the group's own ability to raise needed funds, the percentage of requested funds relative to the group's overall budget and the level of direct benefit to the students involved.

Although "holding hands" with the school district, the Foundation has an "arms length relationship," according to Morris. The Foundation Board of Directors is comprised of Darren Layne, Sandy Tartaglia, Pat Lamouruex, Susan Arends, Joan Orwig, Beth Quick, Katie Patterson (student representative), Rod Morris and schools superintendent Steve Swisher.

Foundation board meetings are open to the public and are scheduled for the third Thursday of each month at the district administration offices at 6:30 p.m.

Written correspondence or donations may be directed to The Sisters Schools Foundation, P.O. Box 2155 Sisters, Oregon 97759.

Schools Foundatin Distributions:

Elementary school technology, $750;

Elementary media (library), $1,200;

Clean-up at elementary school, $75;

Middle school art, $1,000;

Outdoor school, $2,000;

High school art, $1,000;

High school video production, $2,000;

Co-curricular activities (music, drama, sports) , $7,250;

Endowment fund, $6,800