Saratoga News
News
SEF steps in where state falls off to fund school programs
By Emilie Doolittle
During tough budgetary times in California, school programs in art, science, physical education, technology and music are usually the first to be affected. Even though Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger's proposed budget cuts could limit funding for education, the Saratoga Education Foundation wants to ensure that these programs remain stable in Saratoga schools.
SEF, an all-volunteer organization established in 1983 to provide funding for schools in the Saratoga Union School District, needs $273,000 in the next few months to reach this year's goal of raising $1,270,000 to fund next year's school programs.
On Jan. 16, the foundation held its annual phonathon, the largest fundraising event of the year. More than 120 parents, school employees and community members made more than 1,000 phone calls during the five-hour event. They brought in $180,453 in pledges, and about 40 percent of the donations have already come in.
"We have a committed parent body and fully anticipate reaching our goal this year," said phonathon co-chairwoman Kristi Petters.
In total, SEF has raised $816,000 this year through community appeals, matching gifts, fundraisers, car donations, business donations and investments.
SEF provides the necessary funding for physical education and science specialists as well as counselors in the school district.
"Yes, public education is free, but for Saratoga schools to continue providing an outstanding education we rely on our district families to help keep these programs alive," said district superintendent Lane Weiss.
"Computers, PE, library, music, art and science are the highlight of my child's day," said Foothill Elementary School parent Susan Vukovatz.
"The foundation has a big impact," said Saratoga Elementary School parent and SEF volunteer Marybeth Smails. "Whether you experience it at the spring art show, hearing your child talk about hands-on science classes or by watching our children learn to use their bodies and voices in ways they've never experienced before in theater arts, this is what a well-rounded education is all about. It wouldn't be possible without parents' support of SEF, and as a parent in the district I'm grateful for that."
In 1978, when Proposition 13 passed and capped property tax rates in California, less money was available for school budgets and many school boards had to cut programs such as music and art. Education foundations such as SEF were created in communities around the Bay Area in the early 1980s.
While some communities passed parcel taxes to make up the difference for state budget cuts, Saratoga did not, and schools depend on donations from SEF.
Saratoga Elementary School principal Diane Smalley said, "[SEF] is an essential vehicle in the delivery of a balanced and vibrant curriculum to our students' educational experience. Aligning programs with our classroom curriculum and state standards, our foundation provides staffing for the library and counseling services as well as enrichment programs.
"Working side by side, our classroom teachers and SEF staff members provide the richness and support of student-centered learning."
"It would be wonderful if every child in the world could have the many learning experiences that SEF programs offer here in Saratoga," said Foothill Elementary School principal Nancy Ondrejka. "Supporting our district's mission of providing three-dimensional success for every child, SEF offers a balance to the state standardized curriculum. Without SEF, students would not receive instruction from specialists to further engage them in their learning, and this would be a great loss."
SEF welcomes individual and business donations. For more information, visit www.saratoga-sef.org.