1. Why is a foundation necessary for a public school system?
Property and other taxes primarily support the ongoing operation of our schools. The Foundation focuses on funding innovative educational ideas at the teacher, school and district-wide levels. The funds we raise enable teachers and the district itself to try new things or make new technology available to students that otherwise, wouldn’t be funded. This is true in times of reliable funding but even more so in times of uncertainty.
In addition to raising funds, the work of The Foundation generates involvement of parents, alumni and local businesses in the development of a great school district by providing them with a means to fund innovative programs and by highlighting the achievements of such programs.
2. What kinds of programs does The Foundation fund?
The Teacher Grant Program funds short term grants of usually $1,000 or less and for programs within a school year. But often grants funded one year may be funded again in a subsequent year and in some cases, the district decides to fund the programs on a school, or even district-wide basis. Examples include Smart Board technology and Senteo Systems which were originally individual Teacher Grants and are now employed across the district.
The Endowment funds larger scale projects for multiple years and with district-wide impact. The Writing Center is our first program in which The Foundation has approved 5-year funding for the coordinator’s position and the district is providing facilities and operating budget. We are currently reviewing ideas for a second project as we work to develop sufficient endowment funding to support it.
3. Who gets the funds that The Foundation generates?
In the case of The Writing Center, funds are provided to the district to cover the coordinator’s salary. In the case of Teacher Grants, the fund raised and awarded are provided to the district to cover the program costs as the grant recipients implement the program in their school and/or classroom.
Who decides what programs are funded by the Foundation?
For the Teacher Grant Program, any Minnetonka staff member may apply annually for a Teacher Grant. The Foundation reviews, prioritizes and evaluates all grant applications submitted. District staff also reviews the grant proposals to ensure they align with district strategic priorities.
Projects funded by the Endowment are developed in conjunction with district staff with input from teachers and members of the Minnetonka District community. Funding is approved by the school board and The Foundation Board of Trustees
4. How do you work with the district? Are you a part of the District?
The Minnetonka Public Schools Foundation is incorporated as a 501(c)(3) charitable foundation and operates independently of the Minnetonka Public Schools, however there is non-voting representation from both the district and the Minnetonka School Board on The Foundation board.
5. What's the difference between the Teacher Grant Program and the Endowment? Which one should I give to?
The short answer is…both! Teacher grants go to dozens of individual teachers to fund innovative ideas, technology or programs in their classrooms. All funds raised each year are distributed that same year.
The Endowment is for long term funding of programs with a bigger impact across the district. All funds raised for the Endowment go into a managed endowment fund investment portfolio. A portion of the annual returns from these investments is allocated to Endowment projects like The Writing Center.
Both make a big difference in Minnetonka Public Schools.
6. Do other school districts have Foundations? What makes The Minnetonka Public Schools Foundation unique?
In the state of Minnesota, there are over 30 public school districts that have foundations. These foundations have different missions, some focus on funding staff positions, others focus on supplementing operating budgets. The Minnetonka Public Schools Foundation is unique in focusing on innovative educational programming and technology.
7. Can anyone be on the board of the Foundation?
Residents of the Minnetonka Public School District are eligible to be on the board of The Foundation. If you are interested, please contact us through the website.
8. What's the difference between the contributions I make to my child's school PTA and the Foundation?
Contributions made to a PTA stay at that specific school but may be used to fund a variety of programming, supplies and services. Contributions made to The Foundation may not be designated for any specific school but The Foundation makes it a priority to ensure that funds are distributed to teachers in each school.
Encourage you child’s teacher to apply for funds from Teacher Grant Program.
9. I already pay property taxes, much of which go to the school district. Why should I donate more?
In addition to educating our children, a strong education system is absolutely vital to the economic health of the Minnetonka economy, the robustness of our local government and quality of life in our community – not just today but for generations to come. Minnetonka Public Schools has a national reputation for educational excellence and innovation leadership. The Foundation has played a critical role in that achievement. Our students and each member of the community reap those benefits many times over.