Saratoga News

Education foundation hits the phones to raise money

By Michelle Alaimo

Phones will be ringing all over Saratoga on Feb. 1 as the Saratoga Education Foundation begins its annual phon-a-thon. SEF hopes to raise some $115,000 during this year's event. Proceeds from the organization's largest fundraising event of the year are used to help support a range of educational programs for the Saratoga Union School District, from music to art.

For the 1997-98 school year, the SEF donated $356,453 to the SUSD, according to district business manager Ellen Tipton. Money from the SEF has become essential to the SUSD's curriculum, funding programs including music, science, art and technology.

"We believe in educating the whole child, and the SEF allows us to do so," said Louise Levy, SUSD's director of special services.

Without the SEF's funding, the SUSD would not be able to continue many of its current programs because state funding doesn't cover the costs. SEF publicity co-chairwoman Cyndy Riordan said that this year, the foundation hopes to receive an average donation of $400 per child--the difference between what it costs to educate each child in the SUSD and the amount the district receives from the state. SEF officials said it is important to remember that a $40 million bond passed last year for the SUSD is only for the construction and renovation of facilities. By law, none of that money can be used for educational programs.

"We feel that the SEF grants are really the key to making our programs in Saratoga truly outstanding," Levy said.

The foundation funds only educational programs that benefit all or the majority of students, Riordan said. She added that the SEF looks for programs that enhance or promote academic excellence.

The SEF, founded in 1982 after state funding to public schools was cut, undergoes a planning process that lasts from January to April or May, Riordan said. During this time, the foundation's board of directors examines what types of programs are currently being funded and what types of programs are needed based on a wish list from the SUSD. The SEF also studies mini-grant proposals from teachers for programs ranging from eco-science to math.

Levy said the mini-grants honor the creativity of individual teachers, and the major grants for programs such as music touch every child within the school district.

"When you contribute to the SEF, you are contributing to all students in the district," Levy said.

Some 120 volunteers for the Raise the Standard of Giving Phon-a-thon will begin calling parents and community members for donations at noon on Feb.1. Alain Pinel Realty has donated its facilities for the event.

[ Back to Contents Page | Saratoga News Home Page | Archives ]