Parsons Educational Foundation

Partnering with the
Alumni and Friends of Parsons Unified School District

Newsletters
Spring, 2006	View	PDF	Grant
Winter, 2006	View	PDF	Application
Summer, 2007	View	PDF

Parsons
Educational
Foundation

	A new idea.
The Parsons Educational Foundation (PEF) is a charitable, not-for-profit organization formed to enhance the learning opportunities of the students and adults of the Parsons Unified School District. The Foundation conducts operations according to official by-laws and is governed by a 15 member Board of Directors comprised of community volunteers.

	Our mission.
The mission of the Parsons Educational Foundation is to secure and distribute resources for the purpose of preserving and improving public education in the Parsons Unified School District.

	Who should contribute?
The Parsons Educational Foundation is a 501 (c)(3) tax-exempt organization. Contributions to the Foundation are tax deductible to the extent allowed by tax law.

	Frequently asked questions.
Why does the Parsons Unified School District need a Foundation to provide additional funding. School districts have traditionally relied upon two sources of funding: tax dollars distributed through the state funding formula and tax dollars supplied by local property tax levies. Unfortunately, these funds cover only the basic costs of education today's youth. Employing a model originally developed in higher education, man y of the most successful K-12 school districts have turned to community-organized foundations to enrich educational quality and increase standards. Investing in the Foundation helps ensure additional learning opportunities for the residents of our community. How will contributions by used? Contributions will be used for a variety of purposes consistent with our organizational mission: school and classroom enrichment grants for innovative learning opportunities; capital improvement and expansion projects; technology enhancement programs; art, music and other cultural endeavors; scholarship funding for post K-12 education and additional initiatives deemed appropriate by the Foundation's Board of Directors. How will the Foundation determine what will be funded? The Foundation's Board of Directors is responsible for all funding decisions. They work closely with educators, business leaders, the District administration and Board of Education to ascertain the types of educational programs and initiatives that will best benefit the District and community. I would like to make a contribution for a specific program or purpose. Will the Foundation honor this request? Yes, contributions will be directed per the donor's request. We request that donors wishing to contribute restricted gifts contact the Foundation in advance to ensure that programs matching the donor's request are available. Does the Parsons Unified School District have a role in the Foundation? The Foundation is a private corporate entity governed by 15 community volunteers. It operates independent of the school district. While the Foundation solicits input from District educators and administrators, the District and its Board of Education have no fiscal or regulatory authority over it.

	Our goals.
Enrich education by supplementing publicly provided school resources with private funding. Encourage family and community involvement in schools through support of local education programs. Support meaningful activities that foster excellence in academics, art, music and all other aspects of education. Promote post-secondary education through a scholarship program. Facilitate productive, ongoing relationships between the District, alumni and friends.

	How can I help?
Direct Gifts. Cash, securities, real estate and other property. Special Gifts. Directed scholarships to honor special people such as family members or teachers. Planned Gifts. Trusts, annuities, wills, bequests and life insurance. Corporate Matching Gifts. Gifts made by corporations as a result of an employer/employee contribution program.

If you have any questions or require more information regarding the
Parsons Educational Foundation and how you can help,
please contact the following Board officers.

Kenny LaForge, President 620-421-5510
Montie Taylor, Vice President 620-421-5700
Anita Lawrence, Secretary 620-421-2999
Jeff Quirin, Treasurer 620-421-3189

PARSONS EDUCATIONAL FOUNDATION
P.O. Box 994, Parsons, Kansas 67357
www.vikingnet.net/pef/
pef@par1.net

Contributions to the Parsons Educational Foundation by individuals, businesses, alumni and friends of the Parsons Unified School District enable us to fulfill our mission of preserving, maintaining and improving public education. Contributors are recognized via the following gift giving clubs.

Corporate Club	$10,000 and higher
Foundation Club	$5,000 to $9,999
Directors' Club	$1,000 to $4,999
Scholars' Club	$500 to $999
Century Club	$100 to $499
Contributor	$50 to $99
Other	_______________

To contribute to the Parsons Educational Foundation, please indicate your level of giving, complete this form and return it to:

PARSONS EDUCATIONAL FOUNDATION

P.O. Box 994, Parsons, Kansas 67357
www.vikingnet.net/pef/
pef@par1.net

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