FAQs | schoolforce.org

FAQs

Why do Public Schools in California Need Private Funding?

Thirty years ago California passed proposition 13, which dramatically changed the way California public schools were financed. At that time, per-pupil spending in California ranked among the top five states in the nation.Today, when adjusted for the cost of living, California ranks 47th in the nation in per-pupil spending. This lack of funds directly impacts the success of, and opportunities for, all of our children. In the Pew Trust foundation’s Quality Counts: California – State Highlights 2007 report, the State of California ranked 37th in the Elementary and Secondary Performance Index and 34th in the Chance for Success Index.

Watch School-Force’s Latest Video, September 2012
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XclC_VJPww8

Are We the Only District With An Education Foundation?

Many communities in California have responded to the need for increased funding by creating local education foundations. 22 of the 23 school districts in San Mateo alone have such foundations. In 2007, over 600 local educational foundations in California raised more than $220 million dollars to benefit local schools. To find out more, see the “Schools Lean on Parents to Close Their Budget Gaps – Donations/Budget Cuts Factor into Push” article from the August 27th 2006 edition of the San Jose Mercury News and the California Consortium of Education Foundations website: www.cceflink.org

I Already Gave Money to the PTA…

…do I still need to give money to School-Force? We ask all parents to become supporting members of both School-Force and their school’s PTA. Both organizations work hard to provide a quality educational experience for our children. Your PTA raises money for school-specific expenses such as buying teaching supplies, playground equipment, computers, etc. PTAs are not allowed to pay for salaries of educators and other staff. School-Force raises money to fund district-wide teacher salaries for programs like music, science, reading specialists, and libraries and this year could also help decrease how many classroom teachers lose their jobs. Learn more…

What If I Cannot Afford to Pay My “Fair Share”?

School-Force suggests a per-child donation amount. Some people give more, some people give less. If you cannot donate at the suggested level, please give whatever you can. The goal is for every family within the Belmont Redwood Shores school district to be part of School-Force and understand the educational needs that the foundation endeavors to address.

How Is My Donation Spent?

Last year (July 1, 2010 through June 30th, 2011) School-Force raised $1.5 million for the 2011-2012 school year. To see what programs were funded in the school district with these funds, go to the 2011-2012 current year page.

Learn More

We strongly encourage everyone to take the time to learn about public education and school funding, as the more you know, the better able you will be to make the informed decisions that allow you to help give your child the education that you want for them. Visit these informative websites: