The Joliet Grade Schools Foundation for Educational Excellence was established in 2003.  The Foundation Board is made up of representatives from all community stakeholders: teachers, administrators, parents, business, and community members.  The goal of the Foundation is to provide grants to District 86 teachers and staff for programs and projects that enhance and enrich educational opportunities for our students. 

The Foundation hosts several fundraisers throughout the year, including an annual “Take Me Out to the Ballgame” fantasy baseball game fundraiser at Silver Cross Field in Joliet.  Business and community members pay a fee to spend a day playing baseball with former major league baseball players.  For more information, please call (815) 740-3196 x204.

Foundation Board of Directors include:

President Glen Marcum, Bertino’s Service
Vice President Ed Kreis, Community Member
Treasurer Bill Benoit, Community Member
Secretary Charyll Colstock, Joliet Public Schools District 86
Jack Anderson, State Farm Insurance
Cliff Bender, Healy, Bender & Associates
Dr. Gerald Bersano, Joliet Public Schools District 86
Dan Brandolino, Chevron Energy Solutions
Jayme Cain, Joliet Times Weekly
Robert Diedrich, First Midwest Bank
Dave Evans, District 86 Board of School Inspectors
Rick Gregg, Gregg Lincoln Mercury
Jim Limacher, Community Member
Tom Mahalik, Will County Center for Economic Development
Dr. Paul Morimoto, Community Member
Jeff Pritz, District 86 Board of School Inspectors
Shirley Taylor, Joliet Public Schools District 86
Troy Whalen, Joliet Public Schools District 86
Dr. Phyllis Wilson, Joliet Public Schools District 86
Chris Wise, McKeown Law Firm
Dr. Charles Young, Community Member
Sandy Zalewski, Joliet Public Schools District 86

For more information on the Foundation, including giving opportunities, CLICK HERE or contact (815) 740-3196 ext. 204.