Local Educational Foundations Declare May 10th ‘Stand UP For Public Schools’ Day

LOS ALTOS, Calif. – May 3, 2017 – The Los Altos Educational Foundation (LAEF) and the Mountain View Educational Foundation (MVEF) today announced that Wednesday, May 10, 2017 is ‘Stand UP For Public Schools’ (SU4PS) Day. These two local foundations, serving our 19 elementary and middle schools in Los Altos, Los Altos Hills and Mountain View, will join seven nearby foundations and districts to give community members and local businesses an opportunity to support public schools. LAEF and MVEF will also share how public schools are funded and the critical role the Foundations play in supporting district budgets. LAEF and MVEF will spend the day promoting philanthropy and celebrating how contributions are preserving the high quality of these schools.

While some improvements have been made, funding for California public schools is inadequate to meet the needs of our students. According to the Quality Counts 2016 Report comparing states, California earned a “D” in school funding and ranks 41st out of the 50 states when it comes to school finance. Educational foundations were established by parent volunteers to close the funding gap. For many years, LAEF and MVEF have raised donations to bridge the gap between shrinking state funding and the true cost of providing an outstanding educational experience for all children including STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) in the classroom, more electives to ignite new passions, art and music and much, much more.

“Our school district is one of the most highly regarded districts in California. Our award winning schools, outstanding programs, and our community make the Los Altos School District (LASD) an unparalleled place for children to flourish”, said Jeffrey Baier, LASD Superintendent. “We are fortunate to have a partner in LAEF and its donors – made up of parents, staff, alumni and residents - to support our teachers and the vital programs that we need.”

"Our city is in the midst of a Renaissance; one in which the public plays an integral role in the economic, civic and social health of the community. Our schools need this wide public support to continue to do great work," said Dr. Ayindé Rudolph, MVWSD Superintendent. "We are grateful for the work that MVEF does. They have supported impactful efforts that have become a part of our overall program. We not only value the work that MVEF does, but appreciate their support of our teachers and most importantly, of our students. Without their help, we would not be able to offer a whole-child educational experience to all of our students."

A special Twitter Party on “Funding STEM and the arts: Vital Role of Educational Foundations” will be hosted by Superintendents and Executive Directors from both school districts and educational foundations respectively on May 10th from 12 noon-12:30 pm (PDT). Members of the community are invited to join the online conversation by using the hashtag #SU4PS2017.

The 9,700 students currently enrolled in LASD and MVWSD benefit from education foundation donations. LASD includes elementary schools, Almond, Covington, Gardner Bullis, Loyola, Oak, Santa Rita, Springer and middle schools, Blach and Egan. MVWSD includes elementary schools, Bubb, Castro, Huff, Landels, Monta Loma, Mistral, Theuerkauf, Stevenson and middle schools, Crittenden and Graham. With vital contributions from parents and greater community, the two foundations have granted over $26 million since 2006, benefitting over 15,000 students. With an ever-increasing need to close the ‘gap’ every donation truly makes a difference to our students.

A special website has been established for residents who want to show their support on this special ‘Stand UP For Public Schools Days’. To make a donation, go to https://secure.qgiv.com/for/SU4PS/

For more information about how public schools are funded and the ‘gap’ that is being fulfilled by your local educational foundations, please go to laefonline.org or mvef.org.

About the Los Altos Educational Foundation

The Los Altos Educational Foundation (LAEF) is a catalyst for educational excellence for students throughout the Los Altos School District (LASD). We believe strong schools are the foundation of a thriving community. As a non-profit organization led by parent volunteers, LAEF raises funds from parents and the community to provide essential programs and smaller class sizes for all nine LASD schools, benefiting every Transitional Kindergarten through 8th grade student. LAEF. For more information, please go to www.laefonline.org. Follow us on Twitter @laefonline, Facebook @laefonline or Instagram @laef_losaltos.

About the Mountain View Whisman Educational Foundation

The Mountain View Educational Foundation (MVEF) is a volunteer driven non-profit, public benefit organization established in 1983. We are passionate in our belief that a well-rounded education includes not only a strong academic curriculum, but essential programs like music, art, physical fitness, and other enrichment programs. For more information, please go to mvef.org.

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