SEF is the 24-year-old organization that raises funds to cover what the Saratoga Union School District's budget can't pay for. The target was $375,000, but the foundation received only $200,000 in pledges. Terrie Creamer, president of the foundation, said she attributed the shortfall to undecided parents who said they wanted to first ask their spouse before donating. There was also the warm, spring-like weather that drew many families outdoors that day.

"There were a lot of people we didn't reach," Creamer said. "We're not worried, but we do have a ways to go."

Another factor is the fact that more parents this year than last seemed to have already donated prior to the phonathon.

"Some parents have made their donations up front," Creamer said. "We're ahead of where we were last year."

The foundation will accept donations through March 31, after which the board can better gauge how much it can give in grants next year. To date, SEF has received $650,000 and is looking to raise $1.1 million by the end of the year. SEF asks parents to give $700 per child in the district.

SEF was in a similar position last year, when the amount raised did not meet the target. Big donors stepped up then, and Creamer is hoping for the same.

"There's always a good amount that comes in after [the phonathon]," Creamer said.

Administrators and teachers were working alongside parent volunteers during the phonation, which Creamer said is significant because it shows a united front.

"Raising the money is important to teachers and principals because it helps them reach out to students better," she said. "It shows that we have a common goal, which is to provide the best education for our kids."

SEF volunteers said that parents seemed more knowledgeable about the foundation this year.

"Our communication seems to be working," Creamer said.

What was new at this year's phonathon was that there was a dedicated team of callers who talked to new district parents and were able to spend more time explaining the mission of SEF. Another new aspect was that volunteers targeted parents of alumni of the district during the phonathon in hopes of getting more donations.

"They're good supporters to appeal to because they get SEF and what it does," Creamer said.

For the current school year, SEF is funding the librarians, music teachers, computer instructors and physical education teachers at the district's three elementary schools. The funds also pay for the science enrichment program, offered through UC-Berkeley's Lawrence Hall of Science, which brings five hands-on lessons a year to young scientists from kindergarten through fifth grade.

At Redwood Middle School, library staff, counselors, art aides and two full-time science teachers are made possible because of contributions to SEF. Grants have also allowed for smaller class sizes and a new study skills elective.