Board of directors

Our ability to support Y115 students and teachers depends on the strength of our vision and Board of Directors. Join us as we make a difference.

“Like most, I have a busy schedule to juggle. But serving on the Board empowers me to serve and support Yorkville in a truly meaningful way. Nothing beats the feeling of surprising a teacher with a grant or seeing a student’s eyes light up because of a project you’ve funded. I’ve noticed that the more attention and effort I put in, the more I get out of it. The more I care and contribute, the more I grow.” - Alicia Lingane, Board of Directors

What You Can Expect

  • Board Meetings are held year-round. We meet on the fourth Wednesday of each month from 6-7:30pm.

  • Board members spend an average of 2-4 hours a month focused on the Foundation. This can be a combination of autonomous or committee work.

  • You’ll use your passions and expertise to help a committee accomplish its’ goals. Whether you’re an asker, an advocate or a behind-the-scenes go getter, we need a variety of perspectives and personalities to get the work done

What We Expect from You

  • Attendance. We are an active, working board that requires the consistent participation of all Board members. We ask that you attend a minimum of 9 meetings each year. In addition, we ask you to attend a majority of the Foundation-led events each year.

  • Commitment. We are leading the charge in our community, owning and spearheading the work of Yorkville Education.  YEF Board members are asked to make a proud, personal gift, and request that YEF remains one of your top 3 charities of choice while you serve on the Board.

  • Passion. Each YEF board member has their “why”; the reason they joined the Board. We want you to show up authentically, sharing your point of view or perspective as we grow. You should feel passionate enough about the Foundation, that you can connect us to donors and others who can be helpful to our goals of supporting Y115 students.

Ready for the Next Step?

Not ready to submit your application yet? We would love to meet you for a cup of coffee (virtually or in person) and answer any questions you may have. Email us at info@yef115.org to set up a meeting.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

I don’t have any prior experience serving on a Board of Directors. Is that a problem?

Absolutely not. While it’s great if you do, we have a Board orientation program that will lead you through the By-laws, financial requirements, board documents and committees.

I’m not really sure why we need an educational foundation. Don’t taxpayer dollars cover our education?

In Illinois, tax dollars are provided to support the basic education model; reading, writing and arithmetic. School districts are burdened with an increase in requirements passed by law, using the same amount of funding each year. The Foundation supports the future generations of astronauts, entrepreneurs and musicians who sit in the classrooms of Y115 schools. That one opportunity, experience or project can ignite a student’s passion, and we are committed to supporting them.

I volunteer my time. Why do you expect me to donate too?

When YEF board members give at 100% we are making a proud statement to the community. We are saying: “We stand behind this organization – every single one of us. Board member giving is a standard practice for nearly all not-for-profit organization.

I’m not sure if I want to join Yorkville Educational Foundation right now. Can I help in other ways?

Absolutely. Whether you donate financially or through volunteering for the Foundation, we can only grow stronger with your commitment. We have several ex-officio positions (non-voting members) or you can help us on a single committee or event. Contact us at info@yef115.org for more details.

How is the Foundation different than a PTO?

Both PTOs and YEF are critically important to Y115. In very simple terms, PTOs fund school-specific needs while YEF benefits the entire district by funding districtwide grants and projects, and can supplement funding for a PTO when needed. For example, our golf outing provided $5,000 to support districtwide initiatives for special education students, including a Friendsgiving event. Students in these programs could interact with their former teachers and classmates, and socialize and make new friends.