The Great Expectations Foundation board. (L-R) Vice Chair Karen Blackburn, Treasurer Jan Healy, Brienne Moody (Fundraising), Chair Erica Hahn, Secretary Justin Pszwaro.
What is the Great Expectations Foundation? It is an entity essential to Great Expectations School in Grand Marais. Minnesota law does not allow charter schools to own their facilities, so GEF owns the school building. One of the key functions of GEF is to manage the mortgage.
That means GEF develops and maintains a fund for long-term building maintenance and raises money for the school. It is a nonprofit organization incorporated under the laws of the State of Minnesota.
The GEF board has some exciting changes and challenges ahead. This month Karen Blackburn became the board chair, succeeding Erica Hahn who has served three terms on the board. Hahn said, “The board is thrilled to have Karen’s expertise in finance and boundless enthusiasm for Great Expectations School.”
The Foundation’s challenge is funding a balloon mortgage payment in 2018. While it has been saving money for the payment since the mortgage was signed, there is still a funding gap. Hahn said donations can be given on line at www.GiveMN.org (look for G.E.F.). Donations to Great Expectations Foundation can also be sent to: GEF, PO Box 1236., Grand Marais, MN 55604.
GEF is actively recruiting members– you don’t have to be a parent of a child at the school. The board typically meets five to six times per year. If you are interested in joining the board, please contact Erica Hahn, ehahn123456@gmail.com.
For more information about Great Expectations Foundation, talk to one of the current or former board members. Community members who have served on the GEF board are Patty Nordahl, Beth Kennedy, Deb Mueller, Maria Carlson, Thelma Hedstrom, Nina Simonowicz, Michael Garry, Amy James, Beth Ferry, Hartley Newell-Acero and Kristin Blomberg.
Information can also be found at: www.greatexpectationsschool.com/growing.php
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