An independent, non-profit community based organization.

Folsom Educational Foundation – May 5, 2008

Members present:  Jean Rishel, Danyele Passalaqua, MaryBeth Spiegel, Dina Abbamondi, Tracy Dirkes, Janet Worrell, Joanne Wiessner, Peggy Ingemi, Kacey Storey, Patty DelBene, Rita Howell, Trish Arena, Linda Thomas and Marion O’Neill.

The meeting was called to order at 4:03 PM.

Rita motioned to approve the minutes from the March 3, 2008 meeting and Tracy seconded the motion.

Treasurer’s Report:

MaryBeth reviewed the Foundation’s finances.  She explained there was a discrepancy with the checks from one of the Foundation’s accounts.  After several phone calls, she determined it was an error on the part of the bank and she was able to rectify the matter. Several costs ($4,678.48) were incurred since the last meeting such as Folsom Athletic Association sign, 3^rd Grade snack cards, 5^th Grade Tip, GL Scrip, and application for legalized games of chance. There were two main deposits: $2,900.00 was made after the GL Scrip sale and $500 was returned from the 8^th Grade trip.  A deposit from the Commerce Checking account was also made to the Money Market account.  The Commerce Checking account has $4,476.45 available, the Money Market account has $27,144.59 available, and the Folsom Hunting and Fishing Scholarship account has a balance of $3,800.88. Patty motioned to approve the financial report and Marion seconded the motion.

Old Business:

Great Lakes (GL) Scrip:

The GL Scrip program is a gift card fundraiser.  The Foundation held the first fundraiser back in fall 2007 and the Foundation raised $567 through the gift card sales. In spring 2008, the Foundation held its second gift card sale, selling $2900 of gift cards and raising $108.25.  During the first sale, the Foundation did not keep its percentage.  For the combined sales, we kept a total of $675.25 and sent a check to GL Script in the amount of $2,149.48.  At the September meeting, dates will be decided for Fall and Spring sales during the 2008-09 school year.  Parents will be invited to participate in next fall’s fundraiser. An announcement will be made at Back to School Night. A concern was raised about bounced checks and members felt a simple solution would be to hold the gift cards should be held until checks clear.

Ball field Sign:

The Foundation submitted a sign sponsorship form to the Folsom Athletic Association for a 4’X8’ size sign on the Folsom Ball field.  Working with the graphics company, the sign was completed and hung by May 5, 2008.  Unfortunately, the company did not use the final approved proof of the sign which listed the Foundation’s name as “Folsom Educational Foundation.”  Instead, the sign is titled “Folsom Education Foundation.” The Foundation members suggested contacting the company for a partial refund or new sign.  With the incorrect printing, a concern was raised about whether the Foundation should be using the word “Education” in its name versus the word “Educational.”  A suggestion was made to change the name.  This discussion was tabled until more information is available about the costs associated to changing the name.

Thank You Card:  The Foundation received a thank you card from the Cast and Crew of the Beauty and the Beast play for the $500 donation.

Bowling:

Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Atlantic and Cape May Counties held its annual “Bowl for Kids’ Sake” on Saturday, March 29, 2008 at StrikeZone at 3 PM.  Due to the bowling date falling during Spring break, many staff and Foundation members were not able to form a team and bowl.  Mrs. Chille helped to collect money and a donation of $150 was made from the Foundation. 

New Business:

Officer elections:

Officers were elected as follows:

• President – Danyele Passalaqua (A motion was made by Dina and seconded by Kacey.)
• Vice President – Kacey Storey (A motion was made by Dina and seconded by Patty.)
• Secretary – Dina Abbamondi (A motion was made by Kacey and seconded by Trish.)
• Treasurer – MaryBeth Spiegel (A motion was made by Patty and seconded by Marion.)

Danyele suggested nominating chairs for fundraising and grants.  Trish and Dina will coordinate the GL Scrip fundraisers and Danyele will chair the Comedy Night.  For grants approval, it was decided that 3 signatures are still necessary.  Reviewers can be Jean and the officers. 

Budget:

Danyele suggested establishing a budget on teacher grants.  Currently, the Foundation accepts grants up to an amount of $500.  A suggestion was made to modify the grant amounts to up to $250 classroom, per teacher or per organization.  After some debate, it was decided to form a committee to decide the grant budgets, guidelines, and tracking of grant awards. Rita made a motion to form a committee which would create guidelines and standards for grant.  Linda seconded the motion.   Committee members will be Danyele, Linda, Marion, Rita, and Peggy.

Stokes Trip Budget:

The Stokes Trip is a unique education trip for the 6^th Grade. In the past, the Foundation has paid up to 50% of the trip.  The prices are about $125-$130 per student.  As costs rise and more students attend, there is a concern about how much the Foundation should pay towards this trip. The Foundation decided it would pay $50 per student (about $2500 per trip per year)

School Assembly:

At this time, the Foundation decided not to book another show with Primary Focus.  Decisions for future assemblies will be discussed at the next meeting.  It was suggested to consult with the Home and School Association on their list of possible assembly programs.  

8^th Grade Scholarship Award:

Kacey will check with the 8^th Grade advisor on the status of essays for the Folsom Hunting and Fishing scholarship.  Kacey, Tracy, Dina, Danyele and Patty will serve on the committee to review and approve the winner.  The award is a $100 scholarship.  

Membership:

Jean suggested encouraging a parent homeroom representative for the Foundation and the Home and School as a way to build more involvement with parents. The committee liked the idea.

Field Day:

Trish requested if T-shirts were needed for Field Day to please consider Amy Alotto and her business.

The next scheduled meeting will be on Monday, September 15, 2008 at 4 PM.

Marion presented a motion to adjourn and Joanne seconded the motion. The meeting adjourned at 5:28 PM.

Next meeting topics:

• GL Script
• School Assembly
• Comedy Night