MPAEF FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What is the Menlo Park-Atherton Education Foundation?

The Menlo Park-Atherton Education Foundation is a non-profit organization committed to raising funds to support quality education at the four public schools of the Menlo Park City School District: Laurel, Encinal, Oak Knoll, and Hillview. The Foundation is supported by parents, community members and businesses.   Over the past 26 years, the Foundation has been the primary fundraising organization for our schools and has granted over$18 million to fund essential programs.  The Foundation’s record $2.2 million grant in 2008 represents 7.8% of the district’s operating budget.

Who runs the Foundation?

The Foundation is administered by an all-volunteer board comprised of parents from the four schools in the District. In 2007, the Foundation named Lois Giovacchini as its first Executive Director.

What does the Foundation’s grant support?

The Foundation’s grant represents 7.8% of the District’s operating budget designated as follows:

Excellence in Teaching:  Professional development including leadership training and collaboration; conferences and symposium on various areas of curriculum; recruitment, retention and career advancement of teachers.



Comprehensive Education Program:  Funding for classroom science aides and lesson materials; credentialed librarians, plus books and other library media; purchase and repair of musical instruments, scores and method books; foreign language instruction for all students; sponsorship of workshops and presentations by outside professionals in music, literature and science. 



Best Instructional Practices:  Funding of Jeanie Ritchie innovation grants offering an array of learning experiences from Manners Club to Family History/Old Country; technology operations including school-based support personnel, tech labs and a broadcast studio; intensive summer school program in language arts and math.



Enhanced Educational Environment:  21^st Century classroom project bringing smart boards, video and laptop capability to all classrooms, with corresponding staff training.

Public school is supposed to be free. Why do I have to pay?

Because we expect our children to receive a higher quality education than public funding alone can provide, as a community we must raise additional funding to maintain and improve the programs and instruction in our school district.  In the early 1980s California’s spending on education dropped dramatically as an unforeseen consequence of the state’s tax reforms known as Proposition 13.  Currently, California spends about $8500 per student, ranking 29^th in the nation.  With local funding including property taxes, parcel taxes, the Foundation and other sources, the District’s spending per student – about $10,900 -  is on par with the 11^th ranked state, and is just behind that of neighboring school districts like Palo Alto, Las Lomitas, Woodside, and Portola Valley.

Why are both the PTO and the Foundation raising money for the schools?

Both organizations provide important yet distinct support for our schools.  The Foundation raises money to fund essential curricular programs like classroom science, personnel like librarians and science and technology instructors, capital equipment, training and instruction in technology, and enrichment through the diverse Jeanie Ritchie grant program.  In fact, funding from the Foundation represents around 7.8% of the district’s total operating budget.  The PTO raises money for other school-related expenses such as classroom supplies, playground equipment, and field trips.

Why is the Foundation raising more money this year?

Simply put, the Foundation needs to raise more money this year because there are more children in the District. Enrollment in our schools has increased by more than 300 students in the last 5 years while the amount of money the District receives from the state does not increase with enrollment.  Instead, the District counts on local funding, including property taxes, parcel taxes, the Foundation and other sources, to fill the budget gap.  Property taxes and other local sources are not increasing as quickly as our enrollment growth demands. Contributions from local funding sources like the Foundation have a great impact on maintaining and improving the quality of educational instruction for every child in our district.

I am not able to give the amount the Foundation will grant per student. What should I do?

Please contribute an amount that is meaningful for you.  Our goal for 2008-09 is to grant $2.4 million with the support of at least 1,100 families.  Every donation is appreciated and put to good use. Our schools count on us and we count on you.

What is the endowment fund?

The Endowment for Excellence in Teaching is designed to fund targeted programs that will attract, develop and retain exceptional teachers for our schools.  The Foundation established the endowment in recognition of the importance of quality teachers to student performance and overall school success.  In 2007, the endowment reached $2 million and now directs $100,000 in distributions each year to fund professional development programs for our teachers.

Can I donate stocks or bonds?

Yes. To donate non-cash assets, please contact the Foundation office at (650) 325-0100 or via email at: foundationoffice@mpaef.org.

How is company matching handled?

Many companies offer matching gift programs to encourage employees to contribute to charitable organizations.  Most of these programs match contributions dollar for dollar, and some will even double or triple the amount of your gift.  To determine if your company matches, enter your company name on our website:  www.mapef.org/corportematching.html.  Information on initiating the matching contribution will be provided.  Generally, employees can initiate the matching contribution by requesting and completing a special form that can either be downloaded from the website or obtained from your HR department.  The Foundation’s Federal Tax ID# is 94-2871701.  The Foundation office can assist if you have any questions.

How do I get more involved in the Foundation?

Many volunteer positions that don’t require a board commitment are available throughout the year, from Donation Day in the fall to the Spring Event. Contact your MPAEF Classroom Ambassador, call the Foundation office at (650) 325-0100 or email foundationoffice@mpaef.org to find out more.