School-Force’s mission is to raise money to invest in keeping our schools excellent. The programs supported by School-Force have a positive impact for all the children in the district. School-Force raises money to help bridge the gap where government funding falls short. In contrast, it is the duty of the Belmont-Redwood Shores School District Board to make decisions about boundaries, negotiate labor agreements etc. School-Force does insist that the District to be fiscally responsible in these decisions, and encourages the involvement of the community as much as possible.
Academic success has borne enrollment growth, which has created many issues for the BRSSD, including increased costs, lack of classroom space, capital investment needs, etc. There isn’t one simple solution to these challenges.
In these uncertain times, the solution every one of us can provide to our children is money raised for School-Force. Your volunteerism and donations are critical to buying down our class sizes as well as providing other valuable services. For the immediate future, our community’s only means of providing what we want for our children is to supplement our district’s budget through donations to School-Force.
Collective participation in School-Force has greatly contributed to building community and strong schools in Belmont and Redwood Shores. School-Force, that is all of us, needs to continue in this spirit. It is in the best interest of the entire community that School-Force be kept out of the boundary controversy.
Please keep in mind that the Foundation is run by hard-working volunteer parents, some of whom are directly affected by these draft proposals. The School-Force Board is optimistic that everybody will work together to create solutions and encourages a thoughtful discussion that includes all members of our community. Our children deserve the unified support that parents, school staff, and the community at-large have provided in the past, and will provide again this spring.
Ulla Foehr
Central Parent
School-Force Communications Chair
Matthew English
Cipriani Parent
School-Force Endowment and Major Donor Chair
Jeff Schnitz
Cipriani Parent
School-Force Small Business Outreach Chair
Ardythe Andrews
Central and Ralston Parent
School-Force President
3 Comments (Leave a Reply)
I am a member of the School-Force Board and a parent in the Central neighborhood under discussion. This is an emotional time for my family, neighbors, school, and community. I am focused on working to find solutions to the growth challenges in our district in a way that unites our community for the sake of our kids. I know many others who are trying to do the same. I invite everyone to join us.
The discussion of boundaries is very difficult on so many levels. Unfortunately, today many families are being affected by poor decisions made decades ago. There were angry parents back when McDougal, Barrett and Cipriani closed and those families had to go to other schools. Very honestly, some of the existing boundary lines don’t make sense. It’s a daunting task and until now, no one’s wanted to approach. I have confidence that the school board will make a truly informed decision based on what’s best for the children academically to prevent overcrowding.
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