FOUNDATIONS: TWO SCOTT COUNTY SCHOOLS HOPE TO RAISE NEEDED MONEY

Raising money for school projects and classroom needs isn't a new idea, but several area school districts are developing new methods for raising needed funds.

The latest solution to the age-old money problem most smaller districts face is to create nonprofit school foundations.

School board members in two Scott County districts have recently talked about establishing foundations.

Board members at Thomas W. Kelly schools near Benton suggested the idea for a school foundation. The board again discussed the possibility at a meeting Thursday night.

The district, which covers a 150-square-mile area just south of Scott City to just north of Miner, is about to finalize plans for a new construction project and bond issue.

Because there are alumni who live outside the district and cannot vote on the upcoming bond issue, board members suggested a foundation that would allow them to contribute financially.

"We wanted to include them in the project," said Kelly board member Tom Beardslee.

And including the public is the key to getting bond issues passed, said Scott Sander, Kelly school board president.

Now, the board must talk with a lawyer, draft a set of bylaws and elect a board of directors.

But Kelly schools aren't the first to consider a foundation for fund-raising problems.

School districts are seeing the potential for extra funds, said Don Abner, superintendent at Kelly.

Chuck Goodale, a graduate of Scott City Schools, wants to establish a nonprofit organization that would help Scott City schools with a variety of projects, from purchasing sports equipment to supplementing student travel.

A letter explaining the foundation and asking for alumni input has been mailed to Scott City residents.

Goodale said he hopes to raise $150,000 over a 10-year period.

The Scott City school board has already given its blessing to the project.

"Any money we raise in their name has to go to the general fund," Goodale said. "If we build up a nonprofit, then if there are activities and we know where the need is, it can be used."

Cape Girardeau already has a school foundation, but an athletic foundation was recently approved by the school board.

Its purpose is to help raise money for sporting activities and teams in the school district. A booster club also raises money for the schools, but those funds are spread around the district.