Foundation to help Jackson schools

The establishment of a new school foundation in the Jackson School District has opened the door to tax-free donations and future improvements within the district.

Foundation board vice-president Dale Rauh said the foundation will work to raise awareness of school needs and use donations to promote education in Jackson schools.

"Funds are limited for school districts," Rauh said. "Additional taxes are not always the way to go. This is an alternative many school districts have turned to."

The foundation board began meeting last April, but just recently received 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status, which will allow the foundation to solicit tax-free gifts.

"A lot of alumni are interested in contributing back to the school that gave them their start," Rauh said.

The Cape Girardeau School District has had a foundation since 1995. The foundation has netted $60,000 in the past year.

According to Sharon Mueller, who serves on the foundation board and the Cape Girardeau school board, donations to the foundation have allowed for the purchase of athletic fencing, scoreboards, bleachers and field lighting. Donations have also funded numerous scholarships awarded each year.

"There's never enough money or support for public school systems. That's why so many districts are seeking alternative funding," Mueller said. "If you don't have a foundation, you're behind the times."

The Jackson school foundation has no specific projects in mind for future donations, although the board did set priorities like academic achievement, advanced technology, fine arts and cultural enhancement athletics, scholarships and staff professional development.

The foundation exists as an independent decision-making body managed by a board of directors with school, community and business representation.

Jackson school board member and foundation director Dr. T. Wayne Lewis said the district has considered establishing a foundation for 10 years.

Lewis said the foundation won't be able to construct new buildings or do anything a tax levy would allow. Instead, it will act as a vehicle through which other fund-raising organizations within the district can accept large, tax-deductible donations.

"This will have a positive impact for our students and our community," Lewis said. " It will allow those people who have always wanted to see education grow and are able to share their blessings to do so."

"People gain ownership through local donations, the whole school becomes part of the community, rather than a public sector," Lewis said.

For more information about the foundation, call the Jackson school board office at 243-9501.