WILLMAR -- New robes for the Cardinal Choir will be the goal for the Willmar Public Schools Foundation's second annual fundraising gala.
The foundation's board voted to hold a second gala when it met on Tuesday at the Willmar Education and Arts Center.
The first gala, held last spring, raised money for new marching band uniforms.
As was the case with the band uniforms, the choir robes are 30 years old and in need of replacement. Board member Brad Schmidt said he believed he may have worn the same robes when he was in high school.
The foundation raised about $16,000 at its first gala, so it's possible the event could raise more money than is needed to replace the aging robes. If that's the case, board members said the money could be used for other music or fine arts needs in the school district.
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Board President Orlo Almlie said he thought people would support the cause, because he hears may comments about how good the district's music programs are. "They get stronger all the time," he said.
The board voted to hold the second gala at the Senior High. The first was held at the Holiday Inn. It will be easier for the student musical acts to set up, because they won't have to transport equipment, said Superintendent Kathy Leedom.
Karen Hilding, coordinator of the Schools for Energy Efficiency project, spoke with the board about plans to place solar panels on the roof of the Junior High entry.
Junior High students, working with a committee of adults, are raising money from the community to place the panels on the school, she said. So far, more than $12,000 has been raised for the $25,800 project.
The group is not seeking school district funding, but Hilding asked the foundation to consider a contribution. Board members said the issue would be on the board's Jan. 2 agenda. Many said they were in favor of donating to the project.
"When they hear all this doomsday stuff, it's hard on kids," said board member Suzanne Napgezek. "If they can be part of something positive, I think it's good for them."
The board voted to reappoint four members whose terms were to expire at the end of the year. Orlo Almlie, Richard Falk, Napgezek and Mike Reynolds will each serve another three-year term. They elected Taunton as president for 2007, Reynolds as vice president, Bobbie Mattison as secretary and Sandi Unger as treasurer.
The board voted to support several funding requests:
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- $1,381 to help pay for transportation and other costs for 30 junior high special education students to attend a series of four plays at the St. John's and St. Benedict's college campuses.
- $900 to fund a half-day artist-in-residence program at the Area Learning Center.
- $375 to pay transportation costs for a group of high school students to tour the Museum of Russian Art in Minneapolis.
- $250 to purchase Kandiyohi Area Transit tokens to low-income students could take a bus home from after-school activities. Falk voted against the idea, because some of the students might be taking the bus from non-school activities.
- $200 to cover an activity fee for a student playing hockey.
