The Trustees of the Pettisville School Foundation met on Monday, November 7 to plan a yearlong series of activities commemorating the group’s 30th Anniversary. On November 4, 1986 the foundation received approval for its articles of incorporation, making it one of the first small school foundations in the state. At the time, there were about 30 school foundations in urban areas but few in smaller districts.
Events in the coming year include a membership drive, recognition of past trustees, an effort to increase the foundation’s endowment and the unveiling of two ceramic murals for the atrium. The murals will depict pictures of scenes from the past including the school buildings that have served the community.
Founding trustees were Golda Boyer, Valetta Werder, Ruth Wyse, Myrl Sauder, Steve Graffice, Gary Frazier, Chris Rychener, Rod Nofziger, and Luana Esterline and Steve Switzer was the executive director. Thirty two individuals have served as trustees to the foundation.
The professional support structure has been unchanged in the past thirty years with PHS graduates Jan Stamm providing legal counsel and Dave Rupp providing accounting services. Steve Switzer has served as executive director. All have donated their services.
Over the thirty years, the PSF has supported the Pettisville School Family in primarily three areas:
1) Major Projects. The PSF has constructed and donated two additions to the school, the 1994 30,000 square foot addition including gymnasium, media center, offices, and computer lab, at a cost of around $2,000,000. In 2010, the PSF opened the Atrium, a million dollar area joining the new 2011 building and the 1994 capital drive addition.
2) Scholarships. Starting in 1986, the PSF has awarded 107 scholarships totaling over $70,000 to PHS graduates starting in 1986. Doug Nafziger was the first recipient of a PSF scholarship.
3) Incentive Grants and other Projects. The PSF has awarded many small grants—around $300– to teachers and students for special projects and needs. The PSF has also given its support to projects operated by other groups, such as the 1991 project by parents that developed a track and field facility and later upgraded it to an all-weather track.
At its November 7 meeting, the trustees elected Randy Beck President, Dan Sauder Vice President, Neil Rupp Secretary-Treasurer, and Kristen Rupp as Recording Secretary. Commissioning of murals for the atrium and the transfer of ownership of the atrium to the board of education was approved.
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