PLATINUM2024

THE FOUNDATION FOR LEE COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS INC

Enhance, Enrich, Excel

Fort Myers, FL   |  www.leeschoolfoundation.org

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Mission

We are a non-profit charitable education foundation which enhances and enriches the quality of public education in Lee County for students and educators through programs, resources and experiences made possible through corporate, individual and educational partnerships.

Notes from the nonprofit

Since 1986 the mission of the Foundation has been to enhance the quality of public education in Lee County by increasing community involvement in, and support for, Lee County Public Schools. A diverse group of local business and community leaders realized that the cornerstone of an economically strong community was a quality public education system. Over 95,000 reasons exist for us as a community to continue to support the Foundation's mission to enhance and enrich the public school experience for our district students. These 95,000 plus students are our future! The Foundation for Lee County Public Schools is very proud of having generated more than $35 million dollars through donations to further public education in our Lee County Public Schools over the past 38 years. We invite you to join us in achieving our goal to support every student in Lee County.

Ruling year info

1986

President & CEO

Mr. Marshall T. Bower Esq.

Main address

2266 Second St

Fort Myers, FL 33901 USA

Show more contact info

EIN

59-2637849

NTEE code info

Educational Services and Schools - Other (B90)

Youth Development Programs (O50)

Single Organization Support (P11)

IRS filing requirement

This organization is required to file an IRS Form 990 or 990-EZ.

Sign in or create an account to view Form(s) 990 for 2023, 2022 and 2021.
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Communication

Blog

Programs and results

What we aim to solve

SOURCE: Self-reported by organization

The Foundation for Lee County Public Schools is a non-profit 501(c)3 organization which enhances and enriches the quality of public education for students and educators in Lee County. Programs, resources, and experiences are made possible through corporate, individual, and educational partnerships with the Foundation. We serve the 9th largest school district in Florida and 33rd largest nationwide, with more than 89,000 students in Lee County public schools. The Foundation has committed to addressing the issue of underachieving at-risk students by helping them escape the cycle of poverty through education.

Our programs

SOURCE: Self-reported by organization

What are the organization's current programs, how do they measure success, and who do the programs serve?

Golden Apple Teacher Recognition Program

The Golden Apple Teacher Recognition Progam enhances public education by recognizing and rewarding excellence in teaching.  
Public school teachers are nominated by students, parents, administrators, and the general public for their extraordinary contributions to our students. 
Six recipients are chosen and honored at the Golden Apple Teacher Recognition Banquet, a formal dinner attended by more than 800 community members and business leaders.

Population(s) Served
Adults
Children and youth

Take Stock in Children is a statewide scholarship program that provides a unique opportunity for deserving students from low-income homes to escape the cycle of poverty through education. The Foundation is the local administrator of the program and provides a college scholarship, caring volunteer mentors, and hope for a better life.
Students accepted into the program must sign a contract to maintain a minimum 2.5 GPA, stay crime- and drug- free, and meet with their mentor regularly. Having kept this commitment, students will receive a four-year college tuition scholarship upon graduation.

Population(s) Served
Economically disadvantaged people
At-risk youth

The Education Resource Center supports teachers and students with access to free materials to use in their classrooms to enhance the learning experience.
The Resource Center also provides emergency funding to low-income students for items such as eyeglasses, hearing aids, vital prescriptions, and school uniforms.

Population(s) Served
Children and youth
Economically disadvantaged people

The Classroom, School, and Department Grants program supports teachers and students by funding tools and resources that are normally not included in their budget, but are necessary to creating unique learning experiences. Teachers submit a grant application to The Foundation for Lee County Public Schools for innovative projects that enhance student learning through hands-on activities and unique perspectives on traditional subject areas. Classroom grant categories include: Arts, Health/Fitness/Nutrition, Literacy & Social Studies, STEM, Natural Environment of SWFL, and Financial Literacy.

Population(s) Served
Children and youth

Student Advocacy and Mentoring Partnership (STAMP): Provides mentoring and resources to low-income, at-risk students to increase high school graduation rates, post-secondary enrollment or training in a technical/trade school and college, while also providing career counseling and education. LEAD Like a Girl and Young Men LEAD are programs to equip students with the necessary tools for success through Leadership, Education, Advocacy, and Development opportunities. Community leaders come together to participate and provide a safe space for middle and high school students to discuss relevant and sensitive issues that are impacting them.

Population(s) Served
Adolescents
At-risk youth
Economically disadvantaged people
Academics

This program helps educate students on the importance of having the skills and knowledge to be successful in today's high-tech, information-driven, global marketplace. Students participate in hands-on activities with STEM related business leaders to prepare them for a future career in this field.

Population(s) Served
Adolescents

Collegium for the Advancement of Education is a program that shares best practices for excellence in teaching based on the integration of the Sterling and Glasser models of Quality Training. Teachers trained in this philosophy develop ways to examine data, set and monitor goals, and integrate quality tools into the classroom. The program provides strategies for increasing student achievement by helping students to self-evaluate and make responsible choices.

Population(s) Served
Academics

FutureMakers is an educational program that aims to inspire more high school seniors to explore college and career options, including vocational training or specialized certification programs. It is designed to educate and provide resources to high school sophomores and juniors on pre-graduation financial aid requirements and post-secondary opportunities. The program takes place at eight Lee County high schools and offers guidance, information, and workshop events on various topics including financial aid, scholarships, and vocational training. Students also receive the opportunity to practice interviewing skills and attend workshops on dressing for success and resume building.

Population(s) Served
Adolescents
Economically disadvantaged people

The Foundation’s College and Career Center (C3) supports students by preparing them for post-secondary education, technical training, and entering the workforce. This facility, on the Foundation campus, offers assistance through workshops and resources and aims to support students in their pursuit of academic success by helping them gain valuable information for short- and long- term goals.
This facility is supported by the business community through their participation and guidance in monthly workshops and student mentoring. Students create imperative connections with members of the local business community who have a vested interest in the students as their future employees. Workshop topics include career and military exploration, financial aid, scholarship applications, resume writing, interviewing skills, dressing for success, and post-secondary preparation.

Population(s) Served
Adolescents

Alongside our Foundation-wide focus on student resiliency, we would like to highlight two particular programs created specifically to expand and evolve our students' resiliency in Lee County: Peer-to-Peer Mentoring (P2P) and #LEELISTENS.

Population(s) Served
Adolescents
Students

Where we work

Awards

Sustained Growth & Stability 2010

FL Take Stock In Children

Distinguished Organization Award 2007

Ford Motor Company Fund & Community Services

Four Star Rating 2010

2012 Guidestar

Chrysalis - Education 2007

Lee County Economic Development & The Horizon Council

20 Who made a difference 2009

Coalition for a Drug free SWFL

Four Star Rating 2010

Charity Navigator

Achievement in Program Growth 2010

Florida Take Stock in Children

Spirit of Philanthropy 2012

Lee Mental Health

Excellence Award - Gold Level 2013

Florida Take Stock in Children

Child Advocacy Award 2014

Prendergast Family

Support of Students & Families 2014

Florida Migrant Education Program

Commitment to Scale & Sustain High School Academies 2014

Ford Motor Company Fund & Community Services

Excellence Award - Gold Level 2014

Florida Take Stock in Children

Four Star Rating 2015

Charity Navigator

Best Education Program - STEMtastic 2015

Edison Festival

The Voice of Business in Lee County for 25 years 2016

Horizon Council

Four Star Rating 2016

Charity Navigator

Excellence Award - Gold Level 2016

Florida Take Stock in Children

BEST Charitable Organization 2017

Best of Business

Excellence Award - Gold Level 2017

Florida Take Stock in Children

Top Rated Non Profit 2018

Great Nonprofits

Excellence Award - Gold Level 2019

Florida Take Stock in Children

Luminary Award / Impact over Obstacles 2019

Florida Take Stock in Children

Four Star Rating 2020

Guidestar

Luminary Award / Impact over Obstacles 2020

Florida Take Stock in Children

Excellence Award - Gold Level 2021

Florida Take Stock in Children

Luminary Award / Thriving Through 2021

Florida Take Stock in Children

Excellence Award - Gold Level 2022

Florida Take Stock in Children

Luminary Award / Impact over Obstacles 2022

Florida Take Stock in Children

Top 30 Power Influencer 2023

The Community Foundation

Board of Directors Award for Extraordinary 2023

The Community Foundation - The Global Center for Generosity

Excellence Award - Gold Level 2023

Florida Take Stock in Children

Luminary Award / Impact over Obstacles 2023

Florida Take Stock in Children

Top 30 Power Nonprofit - CEO, Leadership 2024

The Community Foundation

Certificate of Appreciation 2024

LCSD - JROTC Director of Army Instruction

Excellence Award - Gold Level 2011

Florida Take Stock in Children

Excellence Award - Gold Level 2012

Florida Take Stock in Children

Excellence Award - Gold Level 2015

Florida Take Stock in Children

Excellence Award - Gold Level 2018

Florida Take Stock in Children

Affiliations & memberships

Education 2012

Education 2013

Education 2014

Education 2015

Education 2016

Education 2017

Education 2018

Education 2019

Education 2020

Education 2021

Education 2022

Education 2023

Education 2024

Our results

SOURCE: Self-reported by organization

How does this organization measure their results? It's a hard question but an important one.

Number of job skills training courses/workshops conducted

This metric is no longer tracked.
Totals By Year
Population(s) Served

Adolescents

Related Program

Take Stock In Children

Type of Metric

Output - describing our activities and reach

Direction of Success

Increasing

Context Notes

FLCPS's - TSIC & College & Career Readiness initiative is an ongoing program offered to high school students with opportunities to achieve success by preparing them for post-secondary education.

Total dollar amount of scholarship awarded

This metric is no longer tracked.
Totals By Year
Population(s) Served

Adolescents, At-risk youth, Economically disadvantaged people

Related Program

Take Stock In Children

Type of Metric

Output - describing our activities and reach

Direction of Success

Increasing

Number of students who receive scholarship funds and/or tuition assistance

This metric is no longer tracked.
Totals By Year
Population(s) Served

Adolescents, At-risk youth, Economically disadvantaged people

Related Program

Take Stock In Children

Type of Metric

Output - describing our activities and reach

Direction of Success

Increasing

Number of students showing interest in topics related to STEM

This metric is no longer tracked.
Totals By Year
Population(s) Served

Adolescents

Related Program

STEM@Work

Type of Metric

Outcome - describing the effects on people or issues

Direction of Success

Increasing

Number of students educated through field trips

This metric is no longer tracked.
Totals By Year
Population(s) Served

Students, Adolescents

Related Program

College & Career Center

Type of Metric

Output - describing our activities and reach

Direction of Success

Increasing

Context Notes

Career & Technology Education/STEM@Work & STEMtastic!: STEM@Work (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) offers student participation in educational experiences which include hands-on activities, jo

Goals & Strategy

SOURCE: Self-reported by organization

Learn about the organization's key goals, strategies, capabilities, and progress.

Charting impact

Four powerful questions that require reflection about what really matters - results.

The Foundation for Lee County Public Schools, Inc. supports all teachers and students in Lee County Public Schools with innovative programs and initiatives that create opportunities to enhance and enrich the educational experiences of our teachers and students.
These distinctive and varied programs focus on teacher recognition, quality teacher training, and student achievement. Additionally, we provide programs and initiatives that foster academic achievement, positive social skills, and self-esteem for our students who are at-risk.
Public education faces many obstacles including an increase in student population and a decrease in dollars to support them. Our goal is to meet that challenge with special programs and initiatives that address those needs and many of the Foundation's programs support at-risk children.
One of our major educational supports is for the advancement of STEM-related educational opportunities for our students. This program helps educate students on the importance of having the skills and knowledge to be successful in today's high-tech, information-driven, global marketplace. Students participate in hands-on activities with STEM-related business leaders to prepare them for a future career in this field. Additionally, we aim to support students and encourage them to graduate from high school and attend either college or technical training, ensuring their future success.

The Foundation for Lee County Public Schools, Inc. was established in 1986 by a diverse group of local business and community leaders to enhance the quality of public education in Lee County by increasing community involvement in, and support for, Lee County public schools. The purpose of every initiative of the Foundation is to create and enhance opportunities for our public school students and teachers. Our goals are accomplished by providing many distinctive programs and resources to Lee County students and educators. Many of our programs address the needs of low-performing and at-risk students.
The Foundation has been serving the Lee County Public School students and educators for twenty-nine years. We have a strong relationship with the Lee County School District as they support our efforts to enhance and enrich the quality of public education in Lee County.
We have strong support from the corporate community and individual donors, and our supporters believe in the programs we have initiated. The community provides additional support of our initiatives with volunteer hours and resources. We are constantly updating our strategic planning, adding pertinent staff, increasing community awareness, and enhancing the Foundation's current and future status with the full support of our Board of Directors.
The Foundation has strong partnerships with many of the area's strongest and largest corporations such as Publix Supermarket, Chico's FAS, Suncoast Credit Union and The News-Press Media Group. Several members of our Board of Directors are representatives of the community's major corporations including Bank of America, Florida Gulf Coast University, FineMark National Bank & Trust, Lee Memorial Health System, GATES Construction, and Florida SouthWestern State College.
Our strategy is to continue our strong relationship with our local businesses who support education and are willing to share their time, treasures, and talent to ensure that Lee County students receive the best education possible.

Our Foundation is capable of supporting the Lee County Public School District with funding and programs established by our staff, Board of Directors, and community partners. With more than thirty million dollars in support, we will continue our efforts to grow our organization and meet the needs of our ever-growing school population. With more than 92,000 students to serve, we believe that education is everyone's responsibility, and we will continue to seek funding opportunities and partnerships to ensure our students are well-educated and equipped to meet the needs of an ever-changing global economy.

The Foundation for Lee County Public Schools has grown since its inception in 1986, starting with a staff of three people and currently employing thirteen full-time staff members. Our programs have increased in number and population served, with a current annual budget of 1.9 million dollars in revenue.
In 2010, our Foundation was recognized, out of 67 Florida counties, as having the most growth and sustainability of all Take Stock in Children programs.
Other awards that demonstrate our progress in the community are:
In 2015, we received the Charity Navigator 4-star rating for financial efficiency, sustainability, and information transparency. Charity Navigator is an independent, non-profit organization that evaluates American charities by rating the financial health of that entity.

In 2012 and 2014, the Foundation for Lee County Public Schools, Inc. was named as one of the top 20 Education Foundations in the nation by Dewey and Associates, Inc.

In 2013, the Foundation received the Chrysalis Award in Education from the Greater Fort Myers Chamber of Commerce and the Lee County Visitor & Convention Bureau for excellence in partnering with tourism & business.

- 2014 – 2018: Take Stock in Children Gold Level status
- 2017: Gulf Shore Business: Best of Business Award, in the Best Charity category
- 2016 – 2018: Charity Navigator 4-star rating for financial efficiency, sustainability, and information transparency
- 2014 – 2018: GuideStar Exchange Gold Seal rating for commitment to transparency
- 2016 – 2019: GuideStar Platinum Status
- 2018: Great Nonprofits – Top-Rated
- 2019: Great Nonprofits – Top-Rated

Progress Accomplishments:
- 2016 – 2017: Charity Navigator 4-star rating for financial efficiency, sustainability, and information transparency
- 2017: Gulf Shore Business: Best of Business Award, in the Best Charity category
- 2016 – 2020: GuideStar Platinum Status
- 2018-2020 Greater Nonprofits 5 Star Gold Rating
- 2020 – SouthWest Florida Inc. Best Non-profit finalist




Financials

THE FOUNDATION FOR LEE COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS INC
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Operations

The people, governance practices, and partners that make the organization tick.

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Connect with nonprofit leaders

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Build relationships with key people who manage and lead nonprofit organizations with GuideStar Pro. Try a low commitment monthly plan today.

  • Analyze a variety of pre-calculated financial metrics
  • Access beautifully interactive analysis and comparison tools
  • Compare nonprofit financials to similar organizations

Want to see how you can enhance your nonprofit research and unlock more insights? Learn More about GuideStar Pro.

THE FOUNDATION FOR LEE COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS INC

Board of directors
as of 11/06/2024
SOURCE: Self-reported by organization
Board chair

Dr. Mike Wukitsch

Chief People Officer Lee Health

Term: 2023 - 2025

Marshall T. Bower

Foundation for Lee County Public Schools, Inc.

Kevin Daly

Teachers Association of Lee County

Thomas Giles

Avalon Engineering, Inc.

Richard Lewis

HSA Engineers & Scientists

Gary Griffin

B & I Contractors, Inc.

Michele Laboda

Gulf Coast Orthodontics

Mark Loren

Mark Loren Designs

Thomas Mueller

Covanta Energy Corp

Harlan Parrish

FineMark National Bank & Trust

Cole Peacock

RC Peacock Consulting, LLC

Steve Pontius

Waterman Broadcasting

Robbie Roepstorff

Edison National Bank/Bank of Islands

Carmine Marceno

Lee County Sheriff's Office

Jeffrey Kunberger

Suncoast Credit Union

Joe Mitchell

Pool Pros, Inc.

Michael Wukitsch

Lee Health

Kyle DeCicco

Sanibel Captiva Bank

Keith Banasiak

Waste Pro of FLorida, Inc.

Amira Fox

State Attorney 20th Judicial Court

Lawrence Cremia

Fiber Solutions

Noelle Branning

Lee County Tax Collector

Kyle DeCicco

Sanibel Captiva Community Bank

Darrell Lieze-Adams

Hearst Broadcasting, Vice President l Station Manager

Ben Wilson

Suffolk Construction, Chief Operating Officer

Kevin Shimp

Thomas Marine Construction, President

Kenneth Savage

Lee County School District Superintendent

Samuel Fisher

Lee County School District Board Member

Lee Ford

Lee Ford Procurement Specialist Business Development, Inc., Owner

Thomas Giles

Avalon Engineering, President/CEO-Board Chairman

Thomas Huether

Gulfpoint Construction, Vice President | Project Manager

John Miller, Esq

Boy Agnew Potanovic Miller, Partner

Rob Pellicer

Hertz, Sr. Director Pricing Strategy & Product Development

Mike Perino

OneDigital, Managing Consultant, Bonita Springs

Andrew Reddish

Bank of America, Senior Vice President and Private Client Advisor

Victor Gonzalez

Minnesota Twins Baseball Club, Assistant Director, Florida & DR Operations

Shawn Smith

Red Sox Florida Operations, General Manager of Florida Operations

John Talmage

Lee County Economic Development Office, Director, Economic Development

Jill Urraro

Chico’s FAS, Inc, Vice President Human Resources and Total Rewards

Denise Vidal

Lee County Electric Cooperative, Executive Vice President and Chief Executive Officer

Constance White-Davis

Retired Educator

Board leadership practices

SOURCE: Self-reported by organization

GuideStar worked with BoardSource, the national leader in nonprofit board leadership and governance, to create this section.

  • Board orientation and education
    Does the board conduct a formal orientation for new board members and require all board members to sign a written agreement regarding their roles, responsibilities, and expectations? Yes
  • CEO oversight
    Has the board conducted a formal, written assessment of the chief executive within the past year ? Yes
  • Ethics and transparency
    Have the board and senior staff reviewed the conflict-of-interest policy and completed and signed disclosure statements in the past year? Yes
  • Board composition
    Does the board ensure an inclusive board member recruitment process that results in diversity of thought and leadership? Yes
  • Board performance
    Has the board conducted a formal, written self-assessment of its performance within the past three years? Yes

Organizational demographics

SOURCE: Self-reported; last updated 11/1/2024

Who works and leads organizations that serve our diverse communities? Candid partnered with CHANGE Philanthropy on this demographic section.

Leadership

The organization's leader identifies as:

Race & ethnicity
White/Caucasian/European
Gender identity
Male
Disability status
Person without a disability

Race & ethnicity

Gender identity

Transgender Identity

Sexual orientation

No data

Disability

No data