Frequently Asked Questions

What is the El Reno Public School Foundation?
• An endowment for the El Reno Public Schools, founded in 1988
• A non-profit, tax exempt organization, {501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Tax Code}
• A board consisting of 22 members; also ex-officio members representing the School Board and School Administration
• Regularly awards grants to teachers, programs and schools
• Expands, enriches, enhances programs not otherwise funded by the district
• Does not make capital improvements, compensation payments to teachers, or deal with bond issues

What is the mission of the Foundation?
• To help the El Reno Public School System maximize the quality of education for the youth of El Reno
• To work closely with the School Board and School Administration to pursue the common goal of advancing the excellence of El Reno’s Public Schools
• To maintain independence from the School Board and School Administration
Where does the Foundation get its money?
• Generous individual donors
• Memorials and bequests
• Fund-raising events
• Tributes
• In-kind donations

How are funds handled?
• Each contribution is divided- half going into the endowment and half going into funds for grants and operating expenses
• Funds are carefully invested for maximum growth and safety
• Over $200,000 has been awarded to teachers.
How are grants selected?
• Each grant program has a separate committee
• Chairperson does not vote
• ERPSF Board makes final approval
• Recipients furnish cost log and project report

How is the Foundation unique among other education support groups in El Reno?
• Only endowment exclusively for El Reno Public Schools
• Endowment insures perpetual source of supplemental funding, but does not replace traditional state, local, and federal sources or alter the amount of these sources
• Impacts teachers who impact students
• Provides direct incentive/recognition of teachers
• Encourages innovative, creative thinking
• Rewards/encourages public educators at all levels
How do grant programs lead to overall inprovements of El Reno's quality of education?
• Many projects funded by the foundation are actually used as models for other classrooms and/or pilot programs
• Teachers who utilize new techniques often go on to train other teachers at their own site and throughout the district
• Successful pilot programs spread city-wide and can possibly lead to changes in curriculum and programs