Stop by Louise Van Meter Elementary School this weekend to get a car wash. It should only cost a hundred dollars or so. But it just could be the best $100 you've ever spent.
The wash itself will likely be nothing special. The Fisher Middle School students will do their best, but the job won't be as professional as what you might receive at Frank and Marilyn Dorsa's Lark Avenue Car Wash. Still, they'll be washing cars on March 14 as a way of saying thank you to the community for its support during the Los Gatos Education Foundation's fund drive.
Already donated? They'll wash your car for free. Haven't donated yet? This may provide the perfect opportunity since the drive ends on March 15.
The $1 million campaign returns for a second year because this is an ongoing effort to retain the level of proficiency in Los Gatos elementary schools and the middle school. The continuing bleak economic picture at the state level means that additional funds are necessary to maintain current class sizes and programs in the local schools.
According to the LGEF, the effort needs to generate at least $690,000 to retain 8.6 teachers to keep class sizes at their current levels and to continue a number of elective classes being offered at Fisher. Funds raised were stuck at $600,000 as of March 6.
Raising another $140,000 would be music to the ears of the district. If LGEF can reach $830,000, enough money would be available to fund a comprehensive music program for K8 students.
The foundation would be happy to experiment with the next $100,000 raised. If LGEF can reach $930,000, there will be enough funds for a hands-on science program and enough to purchase equipment for the new science lab at Fisher.
Finally, if LGEF can reach its goal of $1 million, the picture would be complete. The final $70,000 would fund hands-on art instruction in all K5 classes and an art docent program.
Parents of students in the district are asked to bear the brunt of this fundraising effort. Those with a child in the district are asked to donate $600 to the cause, those with two or more children, $900. It seems to be a small price to pay for a quality education for our youngsters.
But this is an effort that we should all be willing to participate in, especially those local residents who are products of the Los Gatos school system. Those of us lucky enough to get our start in education in these quality schools owe it to the students of today so that they can benefit from the same programs that we enjoyed.
Beyond that, this is an effort that all Los Gatos and Monte Sereno residents should support. Quality schools benefit a community in so many ways, including but not limited to improving property values. A donation to LGEF is an investment that can only pay dividends.
A year ago the LGEF raised $1 million to save 13 teachers and maintain vital programs. Now it's the time to dig deep and do it all again. And get a car wash in the process.
