Issaquah Schools Foundation

“The 990 is first reviewed by the finance committee and then presented to the full board for review prior to filing.”

“The directors and employees are required to review and sign the conflict of interest policy at the start of their employment or board term and again annually at the start of each fiscal year. If a director or employee believes that he or she has a conflict of interest, the director or employee must report the conflict to the executive committee. Upon review, if the executive committee determines that there is a conflict of interest, the director or employee is prohibited from participating in deliberations and decisions regarding the transaction.”

“The foundation has a compensation policy which states that the foundation will pay at the midpoint of the non-profit salary survey. We benchark against other non-profits achieving comparable revenue who do similar work. The human resources committee oversees the salary review annually with approval from the executive committee.”

“The foundation makes its governing documents and conflict of interest policy available to the public by request, our financial statements are available online at www.isfdn.org and are mailed to donors via an annual report.”

“In fy16 the foundation expanded with three new programs: futuremap, cultural bridges and elementary art docent program. Futuremap connects the buisness community to our students providing access to internships, speakers, job shadowing and career experts. Cultural bridges helps families overcome language barriers and empowers them to become part of our community while helping their kids be successful in school through outreach, events, mentoring, translation services and magazines. The elementary art docent program supports a coordinator who trains the volunteer docents and provides curriculum for their lessons.”

“Kateri Brow grants are Big Idea grants, awarded for programs that reflect vision and innovation in education. Frontline employees teachers and principals are best at identifying problems and developing grassroots and practical solutions. The Foundation partners with the District to first fund these grants, and if proven valuable to student learning, replicate these solutions across the District. Last year, the Foundation gave $59,785 to fund 13 grants, with most grants having multi-year impact. Pre-K Summer School provided 126 students from every school in the District with four weeks of intensive pre-school instruction. This instruction took place at three different sites. Students were identified during spring Kindergarten registration as being the "least ready" among their peers to start Kindergarten the following fall. In addition to learning numbers, colors, letters and sounds, students also learned critical classroom behaviors which help facilitate a conducive learning environment for other students. Transportation was provided to ensure all students had access to this opportunity. Eighty percent of parents were present during the last week of Pre-K Summer School to become acquainted with the school and resources available to their children. Dedicated Fine Arts Fund is an annual investment in Band, Orchestra, Choir, Drama and Visual Arts programs at every middle and high school in the District. Programs are funded on a four-year rotational basis. Funds this year were used to purchase instruments to support band for five middle schools and four high schools. This investment enriches the education and lives of over 2,000 students, grades 6-12.”