Our History
The first official meeting of the Salina Education Foundation was held February 9, 1987. The bylaws stipulated that all seven (7) school board members serve as trustees, the superintendent and assistant superintendent of business affairs serve as ex-officio members and the remaining (6) members be chosen from the community.
Our first Board of Directors
Vicki Price, Chair
Glenda Schmidt, Vice-chair
Cathy Roberts
Allen Webber, Treasurer
Dr. Hugh Cowan, Interim Supt.
Dr. Richard Stedry, Asst Supt.
Jerry Lundgrin
Mary Lee Warner
Larry Mathews
Elly Ritter
Jocelyn Palmer
John Chalmers
Mary Andersen
Carol D’Albini
Steve Ascher
Timeline
1987: Foundation receives tax-exempt status. First scholarship donation accepted.
1990: First donation to endowment received.
1993: 21st Century Advantage Grant Program started.
1995: Nominating Committee recommends changing number of school board members on the SEF board. Board amends bylaws to include two (2) school board members instead of seven (7).
1998: SEF sponsors first 305 LIVE! at the Central Mall. All schools were represented and students performed on three stages. Trustees vote to endorse the USD 305 Bond Issue and Sales Tax Referendum and to sponsor an educational video used to educate the public about the issues.
2000: SEF sponsors second 305 LIVE! at the Central Mall.
2001: Creating the Future Priority Action team begins talks with SEF about a grow-your-own teacher program. Joint committee creates preliminary framework and Foundation researches issues, refines program design.
2003: LIFT receives full board approval, Earl Bane Foundation commits $240,000 matching gift to LIFT.
2004: Fundraising begins for LIFT Program.
2005: Sudden Opportunity Grants started.
2006: Fundraising match achieved, fundraising continues. First LIFT Recipient, Kaysie Rowson, named. First annual Fall Breakfast held, Jerry Moran the featured speaker.
2007: Outside-the-Box Grant started.
2008: April Business partners total 56.
2009: SEF Grants total $400,000. Eighth LIFT Recipient named. Website redesigned.
2011: April Business Partners total 91. SEF Grants total $455,000. Two new LIFT recipients named, making 11 total. Five LIFT recipients will be teaching in USD 305 during 2011-2012 school year.