Board of Directors

The Foundation’s volunteer board is made up of passionate community members who are dedicated to bettering the lives of students. The Superintendent, Director of Communications, and a member of the Y115 Board of Education serve as non-voting members to ensure that our programs align with district priorities. Interested in joining our board? Click here to learn more.

YEF 2023-2024 Board of Directors (L-R): Maria Stone, Joanna Naumann, Shawn Harris, Nikki Lindroth, Matt Marek, Shelly Marek, Leslie Smogor (not pictured Rachel Vlcek).

Yorkville Educational Foundation (YEF) is an independent nonprofit 501(c)3 established in 2015. The Foundation serves as a support bridge between the school district and local community, connecting resources, ideas, and funding to support the unique and diverse needs of Yorkville School District 115. YEF prioritizes funding opportunities for equity, innovation, and one-of-a-kind programs that make Y115 a place in which teachers and students can dream big.

What’s an educational foundation?

An educational foundation is a charitable organization whose purpose is to:

  • serve as an advocate and partner for the school district;

  • develop relationships in the community that enhance opportunities for students.

  • create and fund programs to improve student and teacher performance district-wide;

  • raise funds for scholarships, grants and teacher recognition.

Across the United States, millions of students in thousands of school districts experience significantly greater educational opportunities through the work of their local education foundation.

How is it different than a parent teacher organization?

Both Parent Teacher Organizations (PTOs) and educational foundations are an important and need part of every school district. Generally, PTOs support a single school and may not exist at every school building. An educational foundation focuses on district-wide initiatives and, sometimes, multi-year projects. Together, both organizations work to provide a sense of extended community and support for all.

 

Transparency

Yorkville Educational Foundation is recognized as a 501(c)3 organization. Donations made through the Foundation are 100% tax deductible to the fullest extent of the law.


Board Meetings

Meetings are held on the 4th Wednesday of the month from 6-7:30pm. We currently meet at the Yorkville High School Library. If you would like to attend a meeting, please let us know.


Involvement

The Foundation is an active member of the Yorkville Chamber of Commerce, Montgomery Chamber of Commerce, Yorkville Leads Group, the National Association of Educational Foundations, and has a Platinum Seal of Transparency from Candid.org, the premier nonprofit transparency website. Board members represent the Foundation in a variety of other organizations, including: City Council, Kiwanis Club, and 100 Women Who Care.