Parkland Education Foundation Seeks Executive Director

The continued growth of the Parkland Education Foundation has created the need to seek a part-time executive director, according to Nicole McGalla, Director of Community Relations and Public Relations.

The non-profit foundation provides a tax benefit to businesses and creates new revenue streams for the district, among other things.

McGalla said $212,000 in gifts were received by the foundation in its second fiscal year, up from $130,000 in the prior fiscal year. Of that money, $206,000 went back to the school district.

McGalla said the hiring of a part-time executive director would help create more awareness and marketing opportunities.

"We see a real value in an alumni association for donation campaigns," McGalla recently told school board members. 

McGalla noted that many anonymous gifts have been received by the foundation, including a $10,000 gift that went to pay for middle school band instruments. In addition, a $2,500 anonymous gift was used for the high school musical production.

McGalla said many anonymous $1,000 gifts were received.

Teachers applying for grant money will begin next month, McGalla said.  This year, the Education Foundation awarded 57 educational grants totaling more than $86,000.