Some parents saw a need to update our computer technology and wanted to pursue corporate donations. Without a non-profit status (specifically the IRS Tax ID#), corporate donations became much more difficult to solicit. On a broader basis, we felt that all donations should be embraced whether monetary, material or service. We investigated a tax-exempt status and now have secured such for our fundraising efforts. We had created a task force to pursue this with OOSL as an outgrowth of that effort.

2. Who were the charter members of the Board of the OOSL?

Anne Gadd was the Chair, Chris Marchese the Vice Chair, Judy McFarland was Secretary and Joy Matsumoto was the Treasurer. Members at large were Jenny Crotty, Mary Keenan, Marilyn Gee, Linda Norton, Lorri Kagan and Ron Freund.

3. Who are the current members of the Board of the OOSL?

Please visit the Board of Directors page for the current list.

4. How do I get on the Board and what are the responsibilities of board membership?

All parents of Old Orchard School students are welcome to join at any point during the year. (Contact Pouneh Lechner to enquire or volunteer.) There is an election of the following year's Board (up to 18 members) conducted on the last meeting of the school year by the existing Board. OOSL board membership is renewable annually during the last meeting. Responsibilities include attending meetings; joining committees (where the actual work is done); and communicating, deciding, voting, influencing, etc. The Board will announce OOSL meetings in the weekly School newsletter and via e-mail to existing Board members.

5. How often does the OOSL Board meet?

The OOSL Board meets regularly on the first Friday of each month. Our fiscal year funs from July 1 to June 30. Committees (such as the Silent Auction Committee) meet on an as-needed basis to plan events, report on status of initiatives, and discuss issues.

6. Who are the decision-makers regarding how the money raised is spent?

Teachers request fund through grant requests. these requests are reviewed by the board and approved or declined based on whether they qualify as "enrichment", if funds are available and an attempt to fund grants for all grades.

7. Do I need an appraisal on the donated item?

The tax law implies that anyone making non-cash donations with a claimed value of more than $500 establish a monetary value to those donations if the donor wishes to deduct the value of that donation from his/her tax liability. The OOSL suggests all donors consult with their tax advisor or CPA. Neither the OOSL or Old Orchard School provides tax or legal advice to donors.

8. How does OOSL acknowledge a donation?

We have a three-part form (two for our records, and one for yours), that we provide, along with a donation letter, which we send out to donors. If a monetary donation is made, the OOSL will provide the donor with a full value confirmation. If a donor makes a donation of goods and/or services, the donor is responsible for establishing the monetary value of the donation (see question 7, above). The OOSL will provide a receipt for the monetary value of the goods and/or services, as defined by the donor. As done in the past, the OOSL will recognize the donation in the school newsletter for all to read.

9. What technology needs does Old Orchard School have and how are they being assessed?

Old Orchard School and OOSL meet on an as needed basis to discuss the school's technology program and needs.

10. Can we donate that old piece of furniture or old computer that we no longer want, yet is still perfectly serviceable?

The School wants to have the best possible environment in which our children can learn and thrive. Old computers (e.g., Mac SE's, '286/'386 wheezers), while still functional, are not useful, since they typically require significant upgrading which is often not worthwhile. Please contact Lower School Principal, or Pouneh Lechner, OOSL President, regarding acceptable equipment, as they and the technology committee create the wish list entries.