By Cecily Barnes
Most kids don't jump out of bed in the morning and beg to go to school. But maybe kids in Saratoga do. Saratoga students are stimulated, educated and entertained with a host of field trips and special programs, from science lessons in the creek to musical instruction and an art mentor program.
Why? These privileged pupils have the advantage of the Saratoga Education Foundation, a nonprofit, parent-staffed organization committed to funneling money into Saratoga's schools. And they've been a tremendous success.
The SEF was started in 1982 by Bob and Carol Petersen, Saratoga residents and parents.
"I knew [education foundations] were happening in other places. But it wasn't really happening here; that's why I volunteered my husband's services," says Carol Petersen, with a laugh. "Because he's a CPA, I knew he would he know how to get the tax numbers right."
The Petersens watched the state slash funds for their children's schools and decided something needed to be done. In collaboration with school board member Tom Tisch, the Petersens pitched their plan to the school board and were given the thumbs up.
"We had to qualify it as a tax-exempt organization, and then there were bylaws drafted--the corporation was formed. We selected volunteers, people active in school programs, to participate on the board of directors," Bob Petersen explains.
Since then, the Petersens and a host of Saratoga parents and community members have been involved with the SEF. And, as current SEF president Jill VanHoesen points out, the SEF helps more than just Saratoga parents.
"The excellence of Saratoga schools makes the real estate more competitive," explains VanHoesen. "The school district helps keep the property values somewhat higher."
According to sales agent Jerry Houston, a home that falls in the Saratoga Union School District sells for approximately $44 more per square foot than a house that falls outside the Saratoga school district.
"A 3,000-square-foot house could theoretically sell for up to $120,000 more than a similar house outside the school district," Houston says.
The SEF raises money, largely through donations, in order to fund programs for the schools. The SEF has placed media specialists in Redwood Middle School, a roving science specialist and music instructor in the district's elementary schools, and library aides in all of the schools. Through its minigrant program, which gives selected teachers money for special courses, Saratoga students have had their education embellished with classes in cooking and life skills, printmaking, and etching, multicultural literature, and ecosystems and behavioral changes.
"I think that's an incredible program," says Louise Levy, SUSD's director of special projects. "The money goes directly to the students."
Levy says the SEF has been an invaluable resource to the school district. "The programs they have provided really make a big difference for all of the students. I can't speak highly enough of the work that organization does."
This school year, the SEF awarded the district $326,000. Since the SEF's first year, when the foundation raised approximately $30,000, the program has grown by leaps and bounds.
"I think the most important thing I can tell you is that [the SEF] really enhances the quality of education we provide to our children," Levy concludes.
The Saratoga Education Foundation launches its annual Phone-a-thon on Feb. 2 to raise funds for Saratoga schools.
This article appeared in the Saratoga News, January 29, 1997.
©1997 Metro Publishing, Inc. All rights reserved.