Photograph by Kathy De La Torre
Bryant Law completes his leadership writing assignment in the new media lab at Redwood Middle School. A grant from the Saratoga Education Foundation made possible the purchase of 31 iMac computers.
Part of $785,000 SEF grant pays new teachers' salaries
By Rebecca Ray
Last year, the Saratoga Education Foundation raised more money than ever, and has awarded the Saratoga Union School District a $785,000 grant for the 2000-2001 school year.
The foundation gave the district approximately $36,000 of the funds this fall, which the district has used to buy science and computer lab equipment, and will allocate the rest of the money to the district on Jan. 23, at a joint district board and SEF meeting.
The district will use the rest of the funds to run music, visual arts, science, physical education, differentiation and library programs, and pay the salaries of new personnel, which includes science, instructional media, instructional technology, visual arts and music teachers, a part-time art aide, library, instructional media and technology maintenance technicians and a differentiation specialist, who provides "reteaching" activities to students who have trouble mastering certain material.
Two staff members who have benefited from the grant are Mary Thomas and Christie White, who have worked as instructional media librarian and library technician, respectively, in the Redwood Middle School media center since March. Not only does the grant pay their salaries, but it has also paid for the 31 iMac computers and supporting equipment in the media center.
"I don't see how we'd operate without [the foundation's] support," Thomas said.
White added that the money has given students a good learning environment and enhanced teaching and learning, as well as given Redwood students resources.
"The Saratoga Education Foundation funds critical programs that are necessary to a well-rounded education, which cannot be afforded with the amount of money we receive from the state," district Superintendent Mary Gardner said. "I think it is an indication of the high expectations of Saratoga parents for music, the arts, science and technology and their willingness to support them."
Last year, the district received approximately $50,000 from the state in arts grants, Gardner said.
The SEF, a nonprofit, volunteer-run organization, has raised nearly $4 million since it was founded in 1982 to channel private resources to SUSD schools. The foundation has raised more money each year. Ninety-six percent of the money raised goes directly to the schools, while the other 3 percent goes to administrative purposes.
Almost 90 percent of the funds come from direct donations from parents and community members, while the rest comes from fundraisers and business donors. The foundation has begun efforts to raise money for next year and would like to raise enough to give the district $1 million, SEF president Cathie Thermond said.
"We're very pleased with the support we've been getting from the community," Thermond said. "We're still cautiously optimistic that we can get to that $1 million goal."
Saratoga, California Since 1955
