About the Nonprofit
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The Elkhorn Public Schools Foundation is a non-profit organization dedicated to enriching education for students in the Elkhorn Public Schools District.
History of the Foundation
The Foundation was incorporated and granted a charitable institution status 501(c)(3) by the IRS in 1983. During that time, the Elkhorn Public Schools District was faced with a two-pronged financial dilemma– It had one of the highest property tax levies in the state and was receiving dwindling state aid. In addition, the Douglas County economy was reeling from low farm prices, high interest rates, and little new industry. Thus, supporting the public schools was not the highest priority. The initial Board of Directors had the foresight to start The Elkhorn Public Schools Foundation and help continue to support the school District if state aid could not suffice. That founding group consisted of Robert (Scoop) McArdle, Susan Gregory, James Moore, John Housley, Larry Miller, Susan Hardisty and Carl White.
Growing the Foundation
Growth has been evident in all aspects of the Foundation. In 1997, the Foundation assumed the operation of the Before and After-School Care program. At that time, 85 children were served. Today, over 1,100 total children receive quality care at each of our 12 elementary schools. Elkhorn Kids Campus employs over 130 people, primarily high school students in the District.
As much as the Foundation has grown, more work must be done to keep pace with the growing school District enrollment. In 2017, The Foundation commenced construction of its current office building. The new facility has provided much needed office space and will accommodate projected needs for additional growth. The lower level features a community space named The Elkhorn Alumni Center. It is available to rent for community events such as workshops, conferences, holiday get-togethers, alumni gatherings, graduations and more!
We continue to collaborate with the District to identify new opportunities to support Elkhorn Public Schools’ students and staff. With the generous support of our donors the Foundation is positioned to meet the needs of our growing District.
