Spotlight Foundation
Amboy Schools are a PreK-12 system of 961 students in Illinois. They too are feeling the effects of similar rural school districts with decreasing enrollment. The school district consists of three school buildings (PreK-4, 5-8, and 9-12). We provide a premier education with very limited state and local funds proven by our state achievement scores which rate us at approximately 90% meets and exceeds in every tested area.
The school district is 206 square miles, mostly rural with several small towns in addition to the city of Amboy. There are approximately 2,361 people or 651 families residing in the city of Amboy. The racial makeup of the city is about 98% White. Thirty-Five percent of the households have children under the age of 18. About 8.3% of the population is below the poverty line. Due to the rural nature of the communities, many adults commute 60+ miles to work every day.
“Helping Students in Amboy Community Unit School District #272- The Foundation’s Work is Never Done”
A foundation is the load-bearing cornerstone on which other parts of a structure are overlaid. In District #272, the Amboy Education Foundation is no different. In many ways, the school district has been successful through tireless efforts of the Foundation members and through financial contributions of supporters.
The work of the Amboy Education Foundation never ceases, as student needs are constantly changing and growing. District #272 endeavors, as part of its mission statement to “ensure a premier educational program for all students throughout the district”. As such, the support provided to the district by the Foundation is critical to the success of our students now and in the future.
Foundation information...
Amboy District #272 Education Foundation was chartered as a non-profit group to augment the entire educational program of our schools. It received 503c status in 1989. The Foundation Board, made up of business and civic leaders, community volunteers and concerned citizens, encourages tax-deductible gifts of cash, property, securities, bequests by will, life insurance and trusts.
Members of the Foundation Board of Directors are parents and individuals from our community who are keenly aware of the needs in the schools and are enthusiastic about filling those needs. Monthly meetings are open to any resident of District #272. Excellence in education is the key to the future of our students and our community.
The Education Foundation promotes a partnership between local businesses, agriculture, citizens and schools to enrich all educational opportunities throughout District #272.
Donations/Revenues
Historically, Foundation revenues have come through donations, the Depot Days Dash 5k and kids fun run, the Bowl-A-Thon and the Golf Outing. These revenues are vital to the future of the Foundation and its ability to contribute to the school district.
The United Way of Lee County has also been a generous supporter of the Amboy Education Foundation. In 2009-2010, United Way funds lessened, putting a larger burden on our donors. When faced with this reality, we had two options. We could simply lower our contributions to the school district and our students, or find ways to increase our revenues. Our Foundation remains fresh through creative fund-raising ventures. This year, we conducted a successful Wine & Cheese Gala to augment our revenue stream.
In 2010, we also initiated a leveled giving program and asked for donations only once. No longer do we request a donation for sponsorship at our Golf Outing, Bowl-A-Thon or Depot Days Dash three times per year. Instead, we ask for a one-time donation (found below).
- Gold-Level= $1000+
Gold-Level Donors will receive recognition at all three foundation events.
- Silver-Level= $500-$999
Silver Level Donors will receive recognition at their choice of two foundation events throughout the year.
- Bronze-Level= $100-$499
Bronze Level Donors will receive recognition at their choice of one foundation event.
Mini-Grants
Virtually all revenues fund yearly mini-grants for our teachers and students. Teachers in District #272 apply for these grants each Spring to meet the needs of their students and classrooms. The administration coordinates the grant application process and submits the requests to the Foundation Board. The Foundation Board then funds as many applications as possible using an interest-based and needs-based approach to funding. These mini-grants fund necessary projects the district is simply unable to provide. Many of these projects help our students to be better prepared for college, work and life as they prepare for their future.
Success Defined
Success is our ability to remain a vital force within District #272 in years to come. Our success is further defined by our ability to supplement the work of the fine teachers within the Amboy School District. We recognize our success when we get the opportunity to see the tools, equipment and materials in use in the classrooms and know that these learning opportunities wouldn’t be available without our efforts. Like most positions in a school, being a foundation member is largely a thankless task, the benefits however are paid to future generations.