The IFT Local 683 Education Foundation NFP is a 501(c)3 organization serving the students and teachers in Thornton Fractional District 215. The Education Foundation operates under the direction of the Thornton Fractional Teachers Union AFT/IFT Local 683. The Thornton Fractional Teachers Union has an 80+ year history of philanthropy within District 215. The Education Foundation serves as the Thornton Fractional Teachers Union’s latest endeavor to improve and empower the District 215 community.
Following the success of Trivia Night 2019, Thornton Fractional Teachers Union President Joe Stephan met with members of the Trivia Night Planning Committee in January 2020 to explore the possibility of creating a nonprofit organization to facilitate future fundraising efforts. In January 2023, under the direction of President Stephan, the Executive Board of the Thornton Fractional Teachers Union AFT/IFT Local 683 authorized the creation of the IFT Local 683 Education Foundation NFP.
The Education Foundation was incorporated on February 14, 2023 by Joe Stephan, Tim Sullivan, and Jaimie Metoyer. The Education Foundation began with two goals in mind: raise money for the student fund at all District 215 campuses and raise funds for future teacher scholarships. While the Education Foundation began with 2 goals, the Education Foundation’s mission evolved in January 2024 following the passing of Richard Dust--- a longtime Thornton Fractional Teachers Union member and District 215 school board member. Following Mr. Dust’s passing a teacher innovation fund was established by his widow, Barbara Dust, in his memory. The Richard Dust Teacher Innovation Fund serves to assist Local 683 members looking to provide fun and innovative projects to enhance the learning experience for students in District 215.