As we approach the holiday season, thoughts may turn to family, community and tradition.
One tradition that San Marino can definitely be proud of – and one that in many ways defines San Marino – is this community’s support of a quality public education system for our children.
This support includes both the many volunteer activities in the schools as well as the financial commitment necessary to supplement the limited per-pupil education funding received from the State. The fact that San Marino Unified is the number one rated public school district in California is both a reflection of how much the community cares about quality education as it is the effort and dedication of the students and educators.
It is remarkable that nearly 30% of the SMUSD’s annual budget is from local sources, primarily voter approved parcel taxes and voluntary donations made to the San Marino Schools Foundation.
Superintendent Alex Cherniss recently indicated that “state education funding to San Marino is projected to be lower than 2007 levels until the year 2022.”
The significantly reduced class sizes, enhanced curriculum, and expanded counseling resources – among other initiatives – resulting from the District’s 2014-15 budget are made possible by locally generated school funding.
Peter Koh, parent of Carver students and the 2014-15 President of the San Marino Schools Foundation, remarked that “we, like many families, moved to San Marino due to the quality public schools. We see how our children are thriving at Carver and are glad that we can positively impact the education our children receive by ensuring the necessary funding is available.”
The Foundation raises nearly 10% of SMUSD’s budget annually from generous parents, community members and businesses, and is the only school fundraising organization raising funds specifically for certificated teaching positions at San Marino Schools.
John Simpson, parent of Valentine students and the Foundation’s annual campaign chair for 2014-15, stated that “in order to reach our goal, we are looking for 100% parent participation as well as significant community support in our annual campaign. Donation forms will be arriving in mailboxes soon. We remind everyone that in California today, quality public education is, unfortunately, not free and San Marino’s schools require the community’s continued financial support through your tax deductible donation”.
Over 3,100 SMUSD students benefit from, and are grateful for, the community’s tradition of generosity toward education.
For information or to make a donation to the Foundation, please visit SMSF.ORG or call the Foundation office at 299-7014. The Foundation also reminds donors that company matching gifts are an important source of funding, so if your company provides a match for your donation please remember to make a request and the Foundation office can assist with required paperwork.
