Commentary
Volunteers phone for excellence in education
By Cathie Thermond
The Saratoga Education Foundation (SEF) on Sun., Feb. 6, will be asking parents and community members to show their support of Saratoga Union School District educational programs by making a tax-deductible donation. The Phonathon is an annual event that will depend on more than 150 parents, school employees and community volunteers to reach this year's fundraising goal of $185,000.
Two decades of small education budgets have left California's public school system with inadequate funding. Saratoga's seemingly high property taxes do not provide special benefits to our children. Since 1971, property taxes have been evenly distributed throughout the state. Per-student funding in Saratoga is no greater than in any other district.
The recent announcements of increased education funding from the state will not close the gap between all the funds SUSD receives from state, federal and local government sources and the amount required for the high-quality education students deserve. To close this gap, SEF needs to provide almost $500 per student.
SEF has raised more than $3 million since its inception in 1982. The 1999-2000 SEF grant awarded to SUSD was $585,000. Because it is an all-volunteer organization, 96 percent of all donations are returned to the schools. Donations to SEF allow SUSD to provide basic educational programs, including hands-on science instruction, library curriculum and aides, music instructors, physical education, art and art docent coordination, computer technology and support, and grants awarded to teachers for innovative classroom programs.
Many Saratogans moved here and stay here because of the high quality of education. It takes a dedicated community willing to donate resources and volunteer its time to maintain this standard of education. As reflected in the recent API rankings, Saratoga schools are a "10." Not only do our schools rank high academically, but they also provide a well-rounded, enriched educational experience for our children. Our efforts do make a difference. Please donate generously on Feb. 6 when our volunteer calls.
Cathie Thermond is the president of SEF. She can be reached at P.O. Box 2392, Saratoga, 95070, and www.saratoga-sef.org.
|
Saratoga, California Since 1955
