The District 742 Local Education & Activities Foundation (LEAF) was established in 1993 as a private, non-profit organization dedicated to providing supplemental funding assistance for extracurricular activities in District 742 schools, helping to ensure a balanced, comprehensive educational experience for all students. LEAF provides assistance to activities through its Endowment Fund with a current fund balance of approximately $500,000 as well as ticket surcharge return and ticket sales program at both Tech and Apollo High Schools.
Recently, a second fund, The Academic Opportunity and Enrichment Fund, has been added to provide funding for valuable educational programs. You will find more about this fund in the Supporting Academics link at the top of this page.
Annotated History
1992 The Board of Education formed an ad hoc committee to research the possibility of forming a foundation for the purpose of providing support for extracurricular activities in District 742.
A Student Activities Advisory Committee subsequently recommended to the Board that such a foundation be formed.
1993 The Board of Education approved the formation of an activities foundation to be called the District 742 Local Education Activities Foundation (LEAF). In June of 1993, the Board approved a transfer of $100,000 to the Central Minnesota Community Foundation to establish the LEAF Endowment Fund. The Board also approved a ticket price increase of $1.00 on each adult admission and $.50 for each student admission at both Tech and Apollo High Schools with the subsequent annual revenue from this increase to be deposited in the LEAF Endowment fund.
1994 Articles of Incorporation as a non-profit organization were developed and filed with the Minnesota Secretary of State’s office. Application was then made to the Internal Revenue Service for tax exempt status.
1995 The first LEAF Board of Directors was formed and began meeting regularly. The organization’s by-laws were developed and formally adopted.
1996 Status as a tax exempt, 501(c)(3) non profit organization was received from the IRS.
1996 LEAF began its twice yearly granting program utilizing 5% of its endowment fund for the support of extra curricular activities programming in the District’s K-12 schools.
2000 LEAF hired a fundraising consultant and began organized fundraising activities.
2002 LEAF undertook a special fundraising project, netting $140,000, to assist in preserving Junior High School activities programming.
LEAF Begins Night of the Stars (NOTS) fundraiser.
2004 LEAF Hires Executive Director.
First LEAF Appreciation & Awards Banquet to recognize specific contributors to the success of LEAF.
Night of the Stars moves to Paramount Theatre to a “sold out” crowd!
2005 Year-long development of a strategic plan and vision statement with funding from the Initiative Foundation.
2006 LEAF Board Handbook developed to encourage Board professionalism.
2007 LEAF Endowment stands at $450,000 as of February 2007
LEAF Web Page developed: www.leaf742.org.
2008 15th Year Campaign. ($324,850 pledged by November 2008).
LEAF Endowment stands at $563,756 as of December 2008.
2009 LEAF Mission expanded to include academic opportunities and Enrichment.
LEAF now has two funds:
1. Academic Opportunities & Enrichment
2. Student Activities
