How is the Foundation funded?

Foundation funds come from individual and corporate charitable contributions as well as other fundraisers such as our annual golf outing, our Barbecue during Prairie Fest, our new three show Theater Program and various other events throughout the year.

How do District 308 students benefit?

Following are a few of the initiatives supported by the Foundation. 

• Character Counts
  
• Baggie Books
• Smarty Bus- Bus Safety Program
  
• Author Visits
• Audio Response Systems
• Caudill Reading Books
• Student Publishing Center
• Excellence In Education Banquet

Who Determines How Funds Are Spent?

Project proposals are submitted by school staff members or community members. These grant proposals are reviewed and approved by the Board of Directors with recommendations from the Grant Committee. 


History of OFEE

The Oswego Foundation for Educational Excellence or OFEE, was incorporated in November 1995 as a vehicle to enhance the educational program of the district by providing materials, equipment and funding for initiatives that cannot be supplied through limited public resources. A not-for –profit organization, the Oswego Foundation for Educational Excellence funds are generated through individual and corporate charitable contributions. To further raise funds and promote community involvement with the public schools, OFEE hosts several special events which include, an annual golf outing for district vendors, a Barbeque in conjunction with the Oswego PrairieFest, and live theater productions.

The objectives of OFEE are:

• Encouraging excellence in learning through creative learning.
• Facilitating varied opportunities for growth.
• Promoting and supporting a healthy interaction between the schools and the Community.

OFEE is a service based organization of community volunteers committed to the goal of enriching and enhancing educational opportunities for the students of Oswego School District 308. Currently, the Board seats twelve members and is beginning to expand community participation by forming Ad hoc committees in conjunction with each fundraising event.

Since 1995, OFEE has donated over a quarter of million dollars to Oswego District 308 in the form of teacher mini-grants. Any Oswego District 308 faculty or staff member may apply for a grant, after which the application is evaluated through a committee process that requires board of director approval. Past awards include the purchase of heart rate monitors for a P.E. department, additional Junior High science equipment, Character Counts materials, literacy programs, the Smartie Bus, Baggy Books and many, many more. In each case, the materials given have helped to enrich the education of hundreds of students. Also, the Foundation has established an endowment fund and administers several Scholarship Funds.

In the future, the Oswego Foundation for Educational Excellence hopes to reach further and help more students attain academic excellence. OFEE’s goals include:

• Expanding the current grant program to help more teachers meet classroom needs.
• Aiding Oswego District 308 to maintain current and add new programs which would help students develop skills necessary to compete in a global economy.
• Securing the Foundation’s endowment fund in order for Oswego District 308 students to benefit for many future generations.

With its current grant program, community involvement and future vision, the Oswego Foundation for Educational Excellence is positive resource for academic strength, community growth and overall unity.