Indian Prairie Educational Foundation Moves Forward with New Leader

With the education environment changing, so is the role of the Indian Prairie Educational Foundation. 

The foundation, which was founded in 1988, isn’t changing its strategy, but it is adding to its focus areas. 

Since the foundation’s inception 24 year ago, Alan Fry was chairman of the organization until his recent retirement. Now, Kent Duncan has taken over the task of chairing the foundation, which is an all-volunteer organization. 

“The foundation wants to see how it can be of help to the district moving forward. We will still support the arts, science and math, three things the foundation has been supportive of over last 24 years,” Duncan said. “Those pieces aren’t going away. What we are doing is looking into different areas, support in areas that we have not typically been involved with. Our strategy isn’t changing.”

The foundation’s efforts over the last 24 years have allowed it to bring $3 million in beneficial funding to programs at , he said.

Two areas the foundation is planning to assist the district with are funding for for the at-risk student population, who can benefit from funding for programs that provide additional assistance and Project Lead the Way, a program to encourage students with interests in Science, Technology, Math and Science education.

Funding for the foundation is generated through grants, from local businesses and general support from local contributors, he said. Parents with chldren in District 204 provide a large amount of funding for the foundation. At registration time parents are asked if they wish to support the foundation. Many choose to help.

“We see that as an endorsement for what we have been doing over the years,” Duncan said.

During fiscal year 2011, which just ended, the foundation spent about $205,000, he said. The nonprofit’s budget has remained stable over the years. With the additional programs it plans to fund, the budget is expected to increase this year to about $315,000. 

Duncan is not new to the foundation. He began his volunteer work with it in 1998 and has been involved in a variety of roles over the years. 

He said he was honored the other members of the board felt he had the skill base to chair the foundation. 

“I feel real excited,” Duncan said. “We’ve got a dedicated board of 16 people who truly have an interest in accelerating the education of students. I am excited that now we can take the next step in this journey of the last 24 years.”