Saratoga Education Foundation's newest program, Realtors for Saratoga Schools, recognizes those real estate agents who support Saratoga public education in grades K through 8. The program's theme is "Making a Move for Education."

The Saratoga Education Foundation is a nonprofit organization founded in 1982 by community members and parents concerned with state funding cutbacks in public schools. SEF serves all the schools in Saratoga Union School District.

According to SEF co-president Mark Linsky, it's well recognized that California schools are significantly underfunded. California schools rank 44th in the nation in per-student funding. Even with a grant of $1.125 million that SEF provided the Saratoga Union School District this year, Linsky said the district still ranks in the bottom third of K-8 schools in California in terms of per-student expenditures.

The foundation provides students in the district with programs and personnel that would not be possible with state funding alone, such as librarians, computer instruction, music, science, physical education and counselors at Redwood Middle School.

Local Realtors recognize that strong public schools are an integral part of a successful community, said Linsky, and they know that a thriving school district is one of the most significant factors that can influence a buyer's decision. It's this simple reason that's prompting real estate agents to step forward to support the Realtors for Saratoga Schools program.

"Realtors are helping to keep Saratoga's kindergarten through eighth grade public schools among the best in the Bay Area," Linsky said.

For a tax-deductible donation of $150 or more, Realtors will be publicly recognized for their support. Their name, real estate agency or affiliation and phone number will be featured in the Los Gatos Weekly-Times and Saratoga News, as well as the foundation's annual report. Their names will also be displayed at school sites and throughout the community. Campaign donations must be received by May 31.

Support has already been received from Alain Pinel Realtors in Saratoga, Coldwell Banker in Saratoga and Los Gatos and Intero Real Estate Services of Saratoga.

For information about the program, contact Mark Linsky at 408.568.2880, email mark_linsky@alum.mit.edu or visit www.saratoga-sef.org.