History

In October 1998, the Board of Education of LTHS District 205 made an important decision. After long discussions and serious deliberation, they concluded that establishing an educational Foundation was a logical step forward for the District.

Based on where we have been, where we are now, and where we envision ourselves, the Board determined that a fund raising department is essential for maximizing the available resources. Through this vehicle, we can better meet the needs of our students and community.

Our Goals

The goals of the Foundation are to:

• Acquire materials and services beyond those allotted by the school budget.
• Promote and support a positive relationship between LTHS and its community
• Provide students with opportunities that go beyond what the District could ordinarily offer.

The Foundation will continue to identify, cultivate and solicit a variety of outside sources to secure donations, both financial and other, to enrich the educational experience of our students and the LTHS District Community.

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Rationale

Fund raising arms of tax-supported schools are on the cutting edge of developments in the not-for-profit arena. They are able to accomplish things beyond what the schools themselves can do. The Foundation will allow the District to raise monies that the budget cannot address. Also, by being more self sufficient, we can rely less on tax dollars and more on our own ingenuity.

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How does the Foundation Plan to Utilize it's Resources?

There are many ways in which donors can help the Foundation. Here are a few ways we currently utilize our resources.

Student Scholarships
The two most important services the District can provide to students are a superior education and the chance to take and expand this knowledge through continuing education (i.e. trade school, junior college, university). Providing monies to students buttresses our existing educational goals for the District.

Teacher Development
One of our Core Beliefs in the District is, "Education is a lifelong process that provides the foundation upon which success is built." This notion also applies to instructors. They must maintain a high level of knowledge to teach our students successfully. By providing teachers with grant monies and/or cutting edge technologies for the classroom that will in turn provide students with the most current industry insight.

Technology
To keep ahead or abreast of the rapid changes in computers and technology, the Foundation will seek to supplement budgeted items in this arena.

Lockport Township High School District 205 Improvement Fund
The Foundation Board can use unrestricted funds for a variety of projects. Monies that are donated to the Foundation in this manner help tremendously when unexpected expenses develop that is not budgeted for (i.e. funding a student trip or allowing a teacher to attend a special workshop).

Endowment Fund
To be able to have a vibrant Foundation for years to come, having monies held in perpetuity is essential. Basically, this is money that is held in investments that create interest for the Foundation to use for special projects. To be successful in the long-term, these types of investments in the Foundation are essential.

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Monies Distributed in 2000

Total scholarship monies distributed: $40,500 (14 awarded)

Total amount of mini grants awarded faculty members: $576.05 (three awarded)

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The Foundation and the District 205 Community

Another important function of the Foundation is Community relations. District 205 is very proud of our facilities and our accomplishments. Due to the many extraordinary amounts of accomplishments made by the students, faculty and staff, some things go unnoticed. We remain available to the public to discuss all upcoming and as well as past events of note. Additionally, we invite any of interested alumni, current parents or interested citizens to meet with our Foundation Director and tour our wonderful facilities.

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