McHenry Times

Susan Harkin, superintendent of Community Unit School District 300, recently thanked and recognized members of the District 300 Foundation for their hard work in creating and supporting grants for education in the district.

"Since 2002, the foundation has provided the district with more than $1 million in grant funds. Funds for these grants are raised by the foundation in a variety of ways, including the annual golf outing, which will take place on July 22 at the Randall Oaks golf club,"  Harkin said at the June 6 District 300 Board of Education meeting. "In addition, the foundation partners with the KCT Credit Union in hosting the district 300 affinity visa card program where KCT donates a portion of every affinity visa card purchase to the foundation. The foundation had an excellent time this year playing a pivotal role in hosting the annual art show that features students' art and this year saw record attendance with more than 3,000 visitors."

The foundation hosts the annual art show, which has expanded from a previously high school only showcase, to an event that now displays artwork and creative pieces from all levels K-12 and from all of the 26 schools in District 300. This year the show raised over $3,000 for the boys and girls club of Dundee Township.

"The District 300 Foundation is comprised of 16 members, all volunteers, board of directors and one part time administrative assistant. And we certainly cannot thank them enough for the work they do," Harkin said. "They are critical in acknowledging staff and supporting staff with various funding options and really just a great arm. I know this started almost 20 years ago, and certainly I was here when this was put into place and it is an invaluable resource to the school district. And these people work tirelessly."

In 2021, the foundation awarded over $10,000 in grants to schools and programs in the district. Grant money included funds for work on a playground to incorporate sign language panels for hard of hearing children, and a new reading program that encourages children to take charge of their own learning.

The foundation is run by an all-volunteer board whose members serve three year minimum terms. The board includes Harkin and another representative from the district.