Jack Wuest, Executive Director at Alternative Schools Network | https://www.chicagoreporter.com/
Jack Wuest, Executive Director at Alternative Schools Network | https://www.chicagoreporter.com/
The listed appropriations included grants of $1,075,000 and $1,000,000, along with four additional grants totaling $3,000,940, all designated for programs or services funded by the State of Illinois.
These appropriations represent state-level funding authorized by lawmakers, reflecting what was approved in the budget, not necessarily disbursed. The funds cover only State of Illinois support and exclude federal, local, or other public sources.
Founded in 1973 by A group of alternative high school representatives, Alternative Schools Network states that its mission is: “ASN serves as a conduit for the work of its member schools and community-based programs, connecting the mission, goals, strategies and outcomes to create a unified community of active participants in programming.”
You can learn more about the organization at its website.
In its most recent IRS Form 990 filing filing for tax year 2024, the organization reported $21,170,500 in total revenue. Of that, $20,101,700 came from government grants including federal, state, or local sources, making up 95% of total revenue.
The nonprofit listed $20,103,400 in contributions overall. It also reported $1,653 categorized under other contributions, which may include restricted donations, pledges, or bequests.
At the beginning of 2024, Alternative Schools Network had $3,955,020 in assets. By the end of 2024, that figure had changed to $6,867,710, indicating a significant 73.6% growth in overall holdings.
According to its filing, public funding to Alternative Schools Network increased in the last year. The group received $14,103,200 in government grants in 2023, compared to $20,101,700 in 2024—an increase of 42.5% year-over-year.
However, a Chicago City Wire analysis found that IRS filings frequently contain discrepancies when compared with publicly disclosed government grant reports and budgets.
Alternative Schools Network is one of hundreds of nonprofits across Illinois that receive substantial support from state taxpayers while also fundraising privately.
In 2025, Illinois lawmakers introduced House Bill 1266, also known as the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) Act. The proposal would create a new oversight body within the Office of the Auditor General tasked with identifying cost-saving measures, reviewing agency performance, and advising on audit priorities. If passed, DOGE could bring additional scrutiny and performance evaluation to taxpayer-funded organizations.
According to ProPublica, Illinois has more than 78,000 active tax-exempt organizations, including nearly 60,000 classified as charitable nonprofits. In their most recent IRS filings, these groups reported a combined revenue exceeding $156 billion.
| Fiscal Year | Total Grants/Contracts | Total Taxpayer $$ |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 6 | $5,075,936 |
| Term | Name | Title |
|---|---|---|
| 2024-2024 | Alfredo Nambo | Director |
| 2024-2024 | Jack Wuest | Executive Director |
| 2024-2024 | Lashun R Jackson | Secretary |
| 2024-2024 | Oye Kale | Secretary |
| 2024-2024 | Richard Rutschman | President |
| Year | Name | Title | Compensation |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | Clara Germania Atapuma | Yrc Fiscal Representative, Asn | - |
| 2024 | Devonn J Palmer | School Resource Officer And Disciplinarian | - |
| 2024 | Edwin Wang | Quality Assurance Manager | - |
| 2024 | Harriette B Coleman | Program Manager | - |
| 2024 | Jacqueline H Marshall | Fiscal Manager | - |
| 2024 | Jafar Zhaleh | Fiscal Compliance Manager | - |
| 2024 | Jessica Taylor | Ys3 Program Coordinator | - |
| 2024 | Joshua James Cohen | Teacher At Alternative Schools Network | - |
| 2024 | Keith Harris | Program Director | - |
| 2024 | Keith J Thomas Sr | Program Director | - |
| 2024 | Kenneth L Hoffman | Fiscal Director | - |
| 2024 | Martrice Manuel | Associate Director | - |
| 2024 | Michael Hannan | Program Director | - |
| 2024 | Nour M Ebrahim | Clinical Supervisor | - |
| 2024 | Oscar De Luna | Senior Accountant And Grants Manager | - |
| 2024 | Precious Wright | Youth Experiencing Success Career Pathway Specialist | - |
| 2024 | Sharon Murphy | Fiscal Manager | - |
| 2019 | Emmaline Avon Shear Niendorf | Program Development And Implementation Manager | - |
| 2018 | Brooke Rene Morimoto | Manager Of Community Partnerships And Special Events | - |
| 2018 | Carole L Davenport | Program Director | - |
| 2017 | Ahriel L Fuller | Program Management Associate | - |
| 2017 | Martin Macias | Digital Media Instructor And Mentor | - |
| 2015 | Daniel E Scarbrough | Senior Accountant | - |
| 2015 | Emily M Hartman | Data Processing Administrator Assistant | - |
| 2015 | Tessa L Jenkins | Get In Chicago Mentor | - |
| 2014 | Jory A Spears | Outreach Coordinator | - |
| 2013 | Jashira A Robinson | Office Clerk | - |
| 2011 | Andrea J Marquez | - | |
| 2011 | William Jamison | Teachers Aide | - |
| 2008 | Collier A Meyerson | Program Assistant | - |
| 2007 | LAURA ANN MADDEN | Research Assistant | - |
| 2007 | Ralonda M Mcintosh | Temporary Administrative Assistant | - |
| 2006 | Evelyn Rodriguez | Project Coordinator | - |
| 2005 | Martrice Manuel | Assistant Director | - |
| 2001 | Amanda Czerniuk | Assistant Project Director | - |
| 1973 | Jack Wuest | Executive Director/Founder | - |
| - | Cory Dukes | Executive Assistant/Office Manager | - |
Alerts Sign-up