Schools Foundation: Organization raises funds to meet student needs

For the past 12 years, Springfield Public Schools Foundation has striven to address local schools' needs by raising money for the schools.

The foundation has raised more than $6 million, said Morey Mechlin, executive director of Springfield Public Schools Foundation.

The project that began with the Telethon for Technology to help put computers into the classrooms is now called Back-to-School with the Foundation. It addresses broader needs including purchasing books and professional development for teachers.

"Our mission is to raise, manage and distribute private investment funds to benefit students of the Springfield Public Schools," Mechlin said.

Besides building on their endowment, SPSF puts money immediately back into the school system via new technology, grants to teachers and designated funds.

"Last year, the foundation raised almost $400,000 for the Springfield Public Schools," Mechlin said.

The teachers in the district appreciate the money and being able to use it.

"Without the Foundation funding, I wouldn't have any of the instructional equipment that I presently have in our arts department. I've been fortunate by being awarded several grants," said Gary Strunk, teacher, Hillcrest High.

Foundation funding purchased the printers and computers in Strunk's graphics design studio at Hillcrest.

About 100 students each year use the equipment; since the studio was completed last year, five students have gone on to college to major in graphics design, Strunk said.

Students in the "StingerWorks Studios" also do projects for the school.

"We're sort of an in-house graphics design studio for the school. We do anything from posters, to T-shirts, to brochures, to tickets and certificates. Whatever a teacher needs to help them communicate in the school, we will design and produce," Strunk said.

"I'm truly indebted to the foundation because they saw my vision for this studio and saw it being beneficial for many students. This program impacts the entire school."

Foundation President Tom Peebles, attorney/shareholder/director with Carnahan, Evans, Cantwell & Brown P.C., was a founding contributor when the foundation was created.

As an employer, he understands the impact of a quality educational system on prospective employees.

Also, with three children in the Springfield School System, he recognizes that "there are educational opportunities our students need and deserve which simply can't be fully funded with our tax dollars."

That's part of his motivation to be on the board, he said.

"We all know schools should be a good and challenging experience for every student," Peebles said.

"We also know that we have teachers and administrators who have the ability to make school good and challenging, and who can develop programs that keep kids in school. But they need our help.

"The foundation can provide that little bit of extra funding that can make a difference in the education of our students."

Foundation board president-elect Rita Needham, manager of education at Positronic Industries, is involved with the foundation because she "has an ongoing passion for education." Needham, a former elementary teacher, also is concerned with educating tomorrow's work force.

"I love being part of the foundation because I feel like I'm making a difference for education and for the future education of our students," Needham said.

Mechlin said the foundation goes about raising money simply by asking.

"The number one reason people don't give money is because they haven't been asked. I'm not shy, I'm not afraid to ask," Mechlin said. "We have everyday classroom needs for 25,000 students; the district is the third largest in the state. We don't get many no's' because people understand the importance of education."

The donor may designate funds raised for specific projects like scholarships, or be general opportunity money or endowment money.

"A wonderful anonymous donor gave money to provide any child from the district with a coat from Wal-Mart every year," Mechlin said.

The foundation's role has increased in importance because needs continue to increase.

"More and more responsibility is placed on our schools. Unfortunately, with those responsibilities has not come more money," Mechlin said.

Needs change with the times. Computer knowledge wasn't needed 15 years ago, Mechlin explained. Now you can't even buy gas without using a computer.

"Schools have to teach that technology, but nobody gave them money to do it. The money had to be found to provide technology," Mechlin said.

"All not-for-profits have challenges with the economy struggling. There are changes. We've got to be more efficient than ever, though we've always been extra efficient. We have to make sure to clearly communicate our needs so donors can make good decisions with money. We have to be good stewards of that money so it goes to the most appropriate needs in our schools," Mechlin said.