ABOUT US
The Jackson Local Schools Foundation
The Jackson Local Schools Foundation (JLSF) is an independent organization of local volunteers that works to promote educational achievement, encourage instructional innovation and create excitement about learning. The JLSF is a non-profit, charitable organization that seeks tax-deductible donations from citizens, businesses and organizations to further the excellence in Jackson Local Schools.
JLSF supports Jackson Local Schools in many ways, including funding a Student Resource Fund, awarding classroom grants, and growing our endowment. We also offer several scholarship pathways. Through the JHS Alumni Association, we offer legacy scholarships to graduates. We partner with the Stark State College Foundation to award an annual scholarship to Stark State College students who are Jackson High School graduates, called The Polar Bear Promise. JLSF also administers the David Miller Memorial Scholarship to fund the Hoover-Jackson Marine Biology Program.
Jill Kaempf, President
Board of Directors
JLSF is managed by an independent, volunteer Board of Directors.
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Jon Basso - Treasurer
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Jim Camp
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Clayton Domenico
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Erin Domenico
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Susie Gardner
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Kody Gonzalez
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Justin Hardesty
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Jennifer Jones - Secretary
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Jill Kaempf - President
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Tom Lockhardt
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Barry Mason
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Rob Molnar - Past President
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Monica Myers
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Todd Porter
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Megan Seeley
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Nick Smith
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Ally Wright - Alumni Assoc. President
Jim Camp Visionary Leader Award
Annually in October, the Foundation awards the Jim Camp Visionary Leadership Award to someone who has greatly impacted the Jackson Local School District. As of 2023, the recipient of this award is able to allot $2500 of Foundation funds to a passion project or program at any of the JLSD buildings.
Previous Recipients
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2025 // Susie Gardner (JSA Director, JLSF Board Member)
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2024 // Paula Blangger (retired JLS Communications, JLSF Founding Member)
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2023 // Ken Douglas (retired School Board Member)
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2022 // Janelle Winkhart, Susie Gindlesberger, and Jennifer Herold (Unity in the Community co-Chairs)
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2021 // Marian Manns (retired School Board Member, JLSF Founding Member)
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2020 // Jim Camp (JLSF Board Member)
Why a Foundation?
In the U.S. there are 6,500 school foundations in over 14,500 school districts. Most Stark County school districts have had foundations for decades. A growing group of Jackson citizens is passionate about building an endowment for Jackson that perpetuates the excellence and provides educational promise beyond what the school district can provide.