K–12 public school foundations in Indiana: The impact on Indiana school districts

The purpose of this descriptive study was to examine and describe the impact of K-12 public school foundations in Indiana on the school districts with which they are associated. Currently there are approximately 45 to 50 public school foundations in Indiana. Forty two of these foundations are members of the Indiana Association of Public Education Foundations and they, along with their associated school districts, formed the basis for this study. It is important to understand what role education foundations in Indiana currently play in the life of the school districts that helped to establish them, whether it is a financial role only or if their influence has any other consequences on school dynamics such as school improvement initiatives or public relations, for example. Public school foundations appear to be a growing phenomenon in this country for a variety of reasons. Funding sources for schools continue to be stretched to the limit while accountability pressures continue to increase. In addition, school foundations appear to provide a workable vehicle for community members to become involved in local schools and their initiatives