Lake Co. charter school hires fundraiser

Fundraising is an integral part of Prairie Crossing Charter School in Grayslake, which is why it cast a net to snag a new event planner.

Prairie Crossing receives money from the state to cover each student, but it isn't eligible for additional funding like traditional public schools, board President Geoff Deigan said. That means a big fundraiser, such as the Edible Festival, is needed to help cover teacher salaries and other operating expenses, he said.

"That's not just a fundraiser where the band gets the money," Deigan said.

Various school events brought in $106,850 in gross receipts in the 2007-08 academic year, but that was projected to drop to $74,500 in 2008-09. The charter school's last two budgets were about $3 million.

Board members agreed Tuesday night to hire Sarah Eisner Kirch as the charter school's 15-hour-a-week event planner. Topping the list of job requirements was an understanding of Prairie Crossing's need for funding, apart from state revenue.

Prairie Crossing offers an environmentally focused curriculum for 359 students in kindergarten through eighth grade. Children selected in a lottery may attend Prairie Crossing without charge if they live within the boundaries of Fremont Elementary District 79 or Woodland Elementary District 50.

Illinois' per-pupil financial aid follows Woodland and Fremont children to Prairie Crossing. However, Deigan said, that's where the state money ends.

Director Myron Dagley said fundraising for the school is not without challenges, because the money source must be consistent with its mission.

For example, Dagley said, Prairie Crossing's wellness policy and devotion to healthy eating for students means sponsorships or donations cannot be accepted from fast-food companies.

"We, in particular, are unique in how we have to go about things," Dagley said.

In the most recent documents filed with the Internal Revenue Service, Prairie Crossing's $106,850 in gross receipts from fundraising in the 2007-08 academic year had $55,325 in direct expenses attached. The net fundraising income was $51,525.

Prairie Crossing's major annual events include the Edible Harvest, Prairie Pedal and a rummage sale.

Deigan said the charter school's goal is to bring in more money from foundations and corporate donations and reduce its reliance on fundraisers.