A foundation has been formed to promote educational opportunities and assistance for students and employees of Mandan Public Schools. Articles of incorporation have been filed with the Secretary of State, bylaws have been approved, and the foundation is now in the process of filing for not-for-profit tax exempt status. Foundation leaders expect to be ready to begin accepting donations by Thursday, July 1.

The Mandan Public Schools Foundation for Education board of directors is meeting at 6:30 p.m. this evening at the Central Administration Building, 309 Collins Avenue, to prioritize project possibilities. Some potential endeavors identified so far include scholarships for students, grants for continued faculty training, innovative learning projects, and the purchase of milk for elementary students from low-income families.

The need for a public schools foundation was identified during Mandan’s strategic planning process conducted in 2009. It has been a project of the Mandan Tomorrow Education and Workforce Committee.

Foundation leaders will be seeking opportunities to provide an overview on the Foundation to alumni at class reunions traditionally held during Mandan’s Fourth of July celebration. Class reunion volunteer coordinators are encouraged to contact foundation president Lee Fleischer to make arrangements for a brief presentation. Fleischer can be reached at 663-6271 or by email at lee.fleischer@yahoo.com.

The Mandan Public Schools Foundation for Education board of directors is comprised of Lee Fleischer, president; Wayne Papke, vice president; Jim Neubauer, treasurer; Tom Bair, secretary; along with Karen Kautzmann, Gordon Binek, Ellen Huber, Ryan Leingang, Vicki Roehl, Tim Tausend and Marilyn Keller.