Giving to PPIE even though the goal will not be reached Schools & Kids, posted by Amy Taylor, a member of the Valley View Elementary School community, on Aug 3, 2009 at 3:23 pm
I think a lot of people are on the fence about giving to the I Love Pleasanton Schools campaign because as the numbers stand, it sure looks like the goal of 2.8 million will not be met. But we are assured that however much is raised, is still going to impact the programs! What if we were able to get class sizes down to 23:1, and a reading specialist to split between schools, and one of the music teachers back? It's not an all or nothing campaign. For those of you that don't want to support the campaign for other reasons, I'm not looking for a debate. I just wanted to clarify for those of you who DO want to support the schools (financially), but are feeling like your donation to PPIE won't be felt. It's okay to not reach the goal! We can still make improvements to the current conditions!
If you want to make a donation directly to your child's school, that is great too. But you can't affect the cut programs through a donation to an individual school.
For those of you that are still on the fence, consider bidding on something at the auction.
You get something for your money (perhaps something you would have bought anyway), and the schools get a donation out of it. It's a win-win in my book.
Posted by A silver lining, a resident of the Another Pleasanton neighborhood neighborhood, on Aug 3, 2009 at 3:48 pm
Amy,
I watched the 6/29 Board Meeting on Saturday on the local cable channel, and as I understood it, there is matching funds still available to the district if we make it to 1.4 MM.
I may be wrong, but I am almost certain that Chris Grant or Luz stated that if we raise 1.4MM for CSR, the State will be able to give us the other 1.4MM.
Now, this was on June 29th and since then we have had the budget signed by the Govenor, so I don't know exactly how this will all shake out now. I'm hopeful though - I'm sure you are as well.
Posted by Need more information, a resident of the Mohr Park neighborhood, on Aug 4, 2009 at 9:01 am
Hi Amy,
Hopefully you can give more information on the disbursement of these funds. Since it is unlikely the total monetary goal will be reached, what happens if they can hire only 6 teachers back? How is it determined what grades or schools will get this?
I was also told by our teachers that 25:1 is the goal. Depending on enrollment, the classes could be between 23:1 to 28:1, so saying you can reduce class size reduction by 2 students per room isn't very accurate.
Thank you for any information you can provide, and for your work for our students.
Posted by An idea, a resident of the Another Pleasanton neighborhood neighborhood, on Aug 4, 2009 at 9:45 am
It might be wise to separate the programs and give people the flexibility to donate to CSR for example, or to reading specialists, or whatever they value.
The problem with the PPIE donation is the same that what was a problem for the parcel tax: they include items that not everyone is okay with.
From talking to a neighbor, he/she said he/she could not support counselors in elementary schools, and yet that is an item combined with the rest. This neighbor said he/she would be willing to give money that went to certain things but not to a mix of items, some of which he/she does not agree with.
Yes, I have already donated, so the above is just a suggestion from someone who believes in supporting the schools financially.
Posted by Amy Taylor, a member of the Valley View Elementary School community, on Aug 4, 2009 at 10:29 am
I do not understand all the logistics of how CSR works. I have been told that it can be affected even without the full goal reached. Obviously the more teachers hired, the lower the ratio. Exactly how that will play out, I don't know.
And YES, you CAN earmark where you want your money to go! I know they have not advertised that enough, but we have been told you can request your donation go toward a certain area. My top are CSR & reading specialists, and I always make a note of it with each donation.
I don't claim to have all the answers, but if you are considering making a donation and need more info, please contact Debi at PPIE and I'm sure she would be happy to talk with you.
Posted by Sandy, a resident of the Mohr Park neighborhood, on Aug 12, 2009 at 4:25 pm
Amy, thanks for the reminder about the auctions! I placed a few bids since I have not won any items in past weeks.
The PUSD board meeting is next week (Tuesday evening, I believe) and in all likelihood decisions will be made about how to use the donated funds to bring back staff.
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