I am a district employee, with 49% of my time devoted to EF and 51% to either district partnerships or a combination of district and EF initiatives to engage our community. I am grateful to be employed by the district so that I can receive employee benefits that most small NPOs can't offer. I also believe that by being a district employee, I am more knowledgeable about the district and their goals. This helps me to identify how the EF can assist in meeting ISD goals and to be able to help communicate that information more effectively to the community.

Another thing that my Board members have often said is that more of the donor's contribution goes back to the classroom because the district has invested in the personnel. It shows that the district is invested in the partnership with the EF as well.

I am also a district employee but reimburse the district for 45% of my salary as well as my administrative assistant's salary. I like what Suzi said above. It's a great perk to be a district employee and it also makes me feel more a part of the district team. We do have two part-time employees who are paid as contract labor from the Foundation at 100%. I think you're going to find lots of hybrids out there.

Me and my administrative assistant are district employees. The Foundation reimburses approximately 50% of our salaries back to the District. I feel strongly that being a district employee helps to create synergy between the Foundation and the district. We have the opportunity to participate in the districts monthly Instructional Leadership Team meetings (Admin Staff Meeting). This helps me to stay in tune to the districts priorities and most importantly provides a consistent opportunity for me to interact and build relationships with Principals and district leadership.

The district also provided our office space and most office equipment / materials. Having an office in the Mesquite ISD administration building is such a blessing for our Foundation.

Galveston ISD pays 1/3 of my salary and all of my benefits as well as my admin. assistant's benefits. Our MOU agreement was put in place before I was hired and we are looking at possibly revising. Can any of you share your MOU or partnership agreement with your district? Thanks!

Hi Brittany, I've attached a copy of our MOU for your review. My salary is paid by the district, and I report directly to the superintendent.

My position is part time and I am employed and paid by the district. Up until two years ago when I was hired the EF Director and Chief of Communications were on in the same. I am thankful that the district sees the value in the Foundation and is willing to partner with us.

I also utilize the Communications admin assistant ans she is a full time employee paid by the district.

In San Antonio, SAISD has grown to a staff of 5 (added one a year on average this year and the past 4 years). All of our staff are paid by the Foundation. Although as the ED, I am not supervised by the superintendent (the Chair of our board makes recommendations on my employment status and evaluates me), I meet with him on a regular basis. We do receive an annual contribution from the District that is a part of our MOU. When the MOU was developed (6 years ago) it was the majority of staffing costs, but that is no longer the case (still critical funding for sure!). We also do office in a district space, operate off district computers, utilize internal pony mail and have a district email etc., all of which has been critical to communication with district staff and keeping overhead low. Always happy to speak to the pros and cons we have seen and how we have adapted over time. There are lots of reasons to select a model that fits for each unique community and unique ISD.

Judy Geelhoed, SAISD Foundation

Of course I meant the SAISD Foundation... what I get for multi-tasking.

Thanks all for sharing! - Judy Geelhoed, SAISD Foundation