2008-2009 In Review
The District 742 Local Education & Activities Foundation (LEAF) was founded in 1993 as a fully independent, non-profit organization for the purpose of promoting and enhancing school-based extracurricular activities and educational opportunities in District 742 Public Schools. LEAF’s
endowment fund provides supplemental funding for academics, activities, arts and athletics in the District’s schools. Since its inception, The LEAF Student Activities Fund has provided over $600,000 to support District 742 activities.
On July 1, 2009, LEAF established a second fund, the Academic Opportunities and Enhancement Fund, which will provide academic grants to District 742’s educational program. The Academic Opportunities and Enhancement Fund will make grants to a variety of educational efforts, including projects that remove barriers to learning, creative curricular ideas to challenge students, innovative teaching ideas, projects with a student achievement focus, pursuit of excellence projects for/by staff in District 742 schools, and a variety of other ideas or projects submitted by teachers or other District staff.
15-Year Campaign
LEAF celebrated its 15-year anniversary by launching a special fundraising campaign which raised nearly $350,000 in pledges despite a challenging economy. Laura Pfannenstein, Mike Faber, and Wayne Schluchter were tri-chairs for this campaign.
Grants Awarded
During the 2008-2009 school year, LEAF awarded $27,072 to enhance various activities in District 742. Cumulatively, LEAF awarded $176,366 directly through grants from the endowment to support District activities:
33% to Academics
20% to Arts
34% to Athletics
13% to General Activities
34% to Elementary School
15% to Junior High School
51% to High School
Night Of The Stars
The seventh and eighth annual Night of the Stars performances again showcased the many talents of our District 742 students and faculty. In 2009, the event included a Friday performance as well as the traditional Saturday performance. Over the past two years, the event returned over $9,760 directly to activities through ticket sales, as well as over $16,113 to the LEAF Endowment. Please visit www.leaf742.org for information on the 2010 Night of the Stars to be held on February 12 & 13, 2010.
New Executive Director
In August 2009, the LEAF Board named Bruce Hentges as the new Executive Director. Bruce is a former District 742 teacher, coach, administrator, and currently serves on the School Board. Bruce was one of the original founders of LEAF and has been involved with the organization since 1993.
New website: www. leaf742.org
With thanks for the time and talent of LEAF Board member, Don Farleo, LEAF is excited to announce its new website. The new website will allow LEAF to highlight grant opportunities, giving opportunities, special events (i.e. Night of the Stars), and students who are benefiting from LEAF’s efforts. Please visit the site to learn more about LEAF.
Thank You
Thanks to all of the donors, volunteers, coaches, staff and students who made the 2008-2009 year so successful. We appreciate your continued support.
