Founded in 1993, the Foundation was the idea of former Superintendent Dr. David Willard and five district residents. Their goal was to create an additional opportunity that would encourage innovation and creativity further enhancing the children’s learning experience beyond the curriculum funded by local tax dollars. Funds raised are intended to supplement the dollars available through the District’s tax base.
The Foundation’s first capital campaign project involved raising funds to purchase computers for the technology labs in the middle schools. After the successful completion of that campaign, the organization focused on a staff grant program, which is for selected innovative projects and programs that are proposed by District 96 teachers and administrators.
Since then, the Foundation has continued to expand with the Annual Recognition Dinner including the “Crystal Apples Awards”, the award-winning Parent-To-Parent Network, scholarships programs for both District 96 alumni and middle school music students, the popular “KIDS” grants and the “HATS” program.
