Portola Valley Schools Foundation

Foundation Funding
The Funding Problem Despite its standing as one of the largest economies, California's schools are poorly funded. Ranked 29th among the states, California spends an average of $7,224 -- compared to New York with $11,588 -- in annual per-pupil spending (Ed. Source 2004 for the 2002-2003 school year). California is 3rd from the last in per-pupil spending of the ten most industrial states in the nation. Historically, with the generous contributions of our community, the Foundation has helped to bridge this spending gap and raise Portola Valley schools' per-pupil spending to $11,798 (Spring 2004). Foundation dollars are turned over to Portola Valley School District and applied to the programs our community expects through the district's annual budgeting process. The Foundation Solution Fundraising activities and instruments include: The Annual Campaign
"The Annual Campaign makes a vital contribution to the quality and success of our schools. Our students enjoy specialist programs in science, art, music, Spanish which enrich and strengthen the school curriculum. They also benefit from educational equipment, technology and materials that support their studies. Without the generous support of our community through the Annual Campaign, many of these programs that we consider "essential" would not exist." -Barbara Seipp, former President of the Portola Valley School Board.
The funds raised by the annual campaign become part of the school district's annual budget. To see what this funding has achieved to date, see Where Does My Money Go?, below. For status on this year's campaign, please see the Campaign Page. If you would like to make a donation to this year's campaign, please see the Donations Page. If you would like to volunteer your time for this year's campaign, please see the Volunteering Page. The Endowment Fund: At the 2000 Gala, nine charter families spearheaded this effort, and with the support of this incredible community, provided just over $1 million to seed the new Portola Valley Schools Foundation Endowment. The Endowment Fund has grown to over $3 million, generating income to support our district's long-term educational goals. The consistency of this funding allows the School Board, Superintendent, and School Principals to develop plans for new and expanded programs, and to budget several years into the future. If you would like to make a contribution to the Endowment Fund, please contact us. The Gala: Periodically, this special fundraising event is held to support both annual and long-term needs. The 2004 Gala raised $540K, exceeding its goal of $500K. $300K was added the Endowment Fund and $240K was granted to the Portola Valley School District to support annual needs for the next two years. For Gala years, see the Gala Page for information and status. eSCRIP: An additional fundraising activity that effectively raises money at no additional cost to you is eSCRIP. See the eSCRIP Page for more information, and to register quickly online. Where Does My Money Go? Money donated to the Foundation is used to support and supplement the core education program at our schools in many ways: Class Size Reductions - Small class sizes are made possible at Corte Madera only through Foundation support. The state only funds reduced class sizes in K-3. Grades 4-8 average 22 students per teacher in Portola Valley, compared with a state-wide average of 29:1. Physical Education - Foundation dollars provide after school PE programs for our middle school students and fund 100% of the Ormondale PE teacher position. Reading Recovery- 50% of one reading specialist position is paid for with Foundation dollars. Class Room Aides - Teacher support at both schools is funded by the Foundation. Technology - All of the district's computers were bought with Foundation dollars. Music- 50% of the instrumental instruction position at Corte Madera and 100% of the music position at Ormondale are funded by Foundation dollars. The District's supply of musical instruments was donated by the Foundation. Professional Development- Teacher training, curriculum, planning, and relief time are funded by the Foundation. Teacher Discretionary Grants & Classroom Supplies- These are made possible through Foundation dollars. Art in Action for Grades K-3 - funded entirely by Science - The Foundation provides 100% of the staffing costs for science in grades K-5. Spanish - The Foundation funds 75% of K-3 and 100% of 4-6th grade Spanish instruction.