Why A Foundation?

We live in a community where we expect the best for ourselves as well as our children. Yet, California still ranks 23rd in the nation in per-pupil spending even before cost of living adjustments. Education is expensive and its costs have been increasing at an annual clip of 3% and this does not even count the District's recent 4% annual enrollment gains -- thus far exceeding cost of living increases. The state budget situation will only continue to put strains on state funding for local schools.

With the passage of Proposition 13 in June 1978 brought a dramatic reduction in funds available to schools through local property taxes. Because property taxes were limited to no more than 1% of full cash value, the local allocation to the school districts no longer raised the amount of money required to fund public education at the previously determined revenue levels.

A school district is labeled a "basic aid district" when the amount of local property taxes collected meets or exceeds its full funding entitlement. This designation means that there is no "difference" to be made-up by the State. That district may keep all of the money raised but will not receive any additional guaranteed money from the state. Las Lomitas Elementary School District is a "basic-aid" district, which puts us in a better position than 95% of the State's districts.

Although our district is in a better position than many others, the State has threatened to take the "basic aid" category away and this year began cutting funds to wealthier school districts. Along with these steep cuts in educational support to the pubic schools, this threat of redirecting our main revenue source creates a scenario that supports the idea of a Foundation for our school in our community.

Over the past 25 years, The Foundation has become a critical piece of The District's revenue sources, now at nearly 10%.

The District 2008-2009 Revenue Sources And Changes:

 

The Foundation raises funds through:

  • The Annual Giving Campaign- The primary source of fund-raising for The Foundation. The Annual Giving Campaign begins in October and ends in May. Over 82% of District families give to this campaign.
  • The Spring Auction Event- The second largest revenue generator for The Foundation. The Spring Auction is a fun, auction / dinner that is held each May.
  • eScrip- An easy way to contribute money to your school. By registering your credit and debit cards online, every time you use your card at a participating retailer, a gift is automatically made to The Foundation.
  • Business Donors- Is a way for community businesses to support our local schools.
  • Matching Gifts- Many corporations will match employee donations. Click here for a complete list of participating companies.
  • Fund A Need- Each year, The Foundation raises money for Fund-A-Need – a specific program that The District targets for additional funding.
  • Endowment- You can purchase bricks and tiles for placement at Las Lomitas and/or La Entrada to benefit the Endowment Fund.