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The Menlo Park-Atherton Education Foundation and the Parent-Teacher Organizations for Laurel, Encinal, Oak Knoll, and Hillview worked together in September on the “Are You IN?” joint fundraising campaign. These five organizations are vital to the success of our four schools.  The PTOs raise funds for school-specific programs and events. The Foundation raises funds for classroom teachers and specialist educators (such as librarians, music, art and drama teachers, and science aides), as well as other value-added employees in areas such as technology support and counseling.  By working together, the Foundation and PTOs ensure that public education thrives in our community.

Now that the “Are You IN?” joint campaign has concluded, what’s next?
  • The PTOs will execute their plans for the year, including the school-specific programs and events that are funded by PTO membership donations.  For more information about the schools and their PTOs, please click on the school logos to the left.
  • The Foundation will continue to work towards the goals of meeting the district’s need of $4 million and reaching 80% participation of district families.  It will take more than our parent community to raise $4 million.  Our district depends on support from our greater community, including neighbors, friends, extended family, local businesses and realtors.  Everyone in our community benefits from strong schools, so please support our schools with a gift to the Foundation.  Please click on the MPAEF logo to the left to contribute to the Foundation and for more information.
Your support of these organization enriches our entire community.  Thank you for your support!

Click a logo below to support your Foundation and PTOs:
   MPAEF
  Laurel PTO
Encinal PTO
Oak Knoll PTO
Hillview PTO

 
 
 
QUESTIONS ABOUT SUPPORTING OUR PUBLIC SCHOOLS
 
QUESTIONS ABOUT THE MENLO PARK-ATHERTON EDUCATION FOUNDATION
 
QUESTIONS ABOUT OUR PTOs
 
QUESTIONS ABOUT THE “ARE YOU IN?” JOINT CAMPAIGN
 
QUESTIONS ABOUT MPCSD FUNDING AND CALIFORNIA PUBLIC SCHOOL FUNDING

ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS ABOUT SUPPORTING OUR PUBLIC SCHOOLS
Why do our public schools need financial support from parents, extended family, neighbors, friends and local businesses?
Funding for public schools has changed dramatically not only since we were children, but in the last several years. Unfortunately, state and federal government funding is no longer sufficient or reliable enough to maintain the quality of education that we expect for all children in our community. We are fortunate, however, to live in a community where parents, extended family, neighbors, friends and local businesses value public education and choose to invest in our children’s futures. This additional funding allows the Menlo Park City School District (MPCSD) to maintain and improve the high quality of education at our four schools – Laurel, Encinal, Oak Knoll and Hillview.

How can I provide financial support to our schools? If you have a child in our district, there are two things you should do: (1) join and support the Parent Teacher Organization (PTO) at the school or schools that your child or children attend; and (2) donate to the Menlo Park-Atherton Education Foundation (MPAEF). If you are extended family, a neighbor, a friend, or a local business, you should donate to the MPAEF, which has programs specifically for donors like you.

Why should I give money to the PTOs and the MPAEF?
The MPAEF and the PTOs are the only organizations that can provide private funding directly to our District and our schools. If your children attend Laurel, Encinal, Oak Knoll or Hillview, they directly benefit by attending schools that have small class sizes and highly-qualified teachers and educators, a curriculum that includes music, art, library, and more, and kid- and family-oriented events that build community at each school.  Even if you don’t have children in our public schools, a strong public school system, which is open to all children, benefits the whole community, including homeowners and business owners.

What does my donation to the PTO support?
Each school’s PTO funds and organizes programs that are important to its specific school and its community of students, teachers, and parents. These include field trips, assemblies, classroom instructional materials, classroom supplies, school-based community events such as fall fiestas, family potlucks and spring picnics, and communications like the PTO school newsletter and website.

What does the Menlo Park-Atherton Education Foundation support?
The MPAEF provides direct funding for teachers at our schools.  For the 2012-2013 school year, the MPAEF presented the district with a record grant of $3.35 million. This grant will fund 31 educators and staff, including classroom teachers, credentialed art and music teachers, librarians, and elementary science aides. The grant enables our schools to maintain small class sizes, and preserve our comprehensive education program of science, art, music, library, and technology. The MPAEF grant also funds teaching innovation and ongoing professional development for our teachers.

Should I donate to both the PTOs and the MPAEF? Yes, absolutely! Both organizations support our district schools in different, but complementary ways. Your donation to the PTO supports many of the programs and activities that make your school unique and such a wonderful place for your children. Your donation to the MPAEF allows the District to hire and retain top-quality teachers and educators, maintain small class sizes, and provide music, art, library, technology and elementary science for your children.

How can I donate to the PTOs and the MPAEF?
You can donate on-line using the links provided at the top of this page. You also may visit the PTO and MPAEF websites, where you can print a membership form and mail or bring in your donation in person.
 
Menlo Park-Atherton Education Foundation
Laurel School
Encinal School
Oak Knoll School
Hillview School


ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS ABOUT MENLO PARK-ATHERTON EDUCATION FOUNDATION
What is the Menlo Park-Atherton Education Foundation?
The Menlo Park-Atherton Education Foundation (MPAEF) is an all-parent volunteer-run 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 MPAEF is supported by parents, extended family, neighbors, friends, and local businesses.  Over the past 30 years, the MPAEF has been the primary fundraising organization for our schools and has granted over $25 million to fund essential credentialed teachers and specialists, educational programs, and professional development.  In June 2012, the MPAEF granted a record $3.35 million to the District, representing more than 10% of the District’s 2012-2013 budget, and five times the amount of money the District expects from the State of California.

What does the Menlo Park-Atherton Education Foundation’s grant support?
The MPAEF’s 2012-2013 grant of $3.35M represents more than 10% of the District’s 2012-2013 budget and directly funds:
  • $1,484,375:  Classroom Teachers and Professional Development.  The MPAEF grant pays for additional classroom teachers to keep class sizes small and funds essential professional development programs for teachers, including career advancement incentives and a technology curriculum coordinator who helps teachers integrate technology into their daily lessons.
  • $1,790,625: Specialist Teachers for a Comprehensive Education Program:  The MPAEF grant also funds art and music teachers and credentialed librarians at all four schools, elementary classroom science aides and lesson materials, plus books and other library media.
  • $75,000 Jeanie Ritchie Teacher Innovation Grants:  The MPAEF encourages teacher-led innovation by funding Jeanie Ritchie Teaching Innovation Grants to bring exciting new programs and teaching practices to District classrooms. Last year, these grants funded 23 programs in our schools.
How much does the Menlo Park-Atherton Education Foundation need to raise every year?
The MPAEF’s objective is to provide the funding necessary to maintain and improve the quality of education in our public schools. With the increasing enrollment in our District, the MPAEF typically needs to raise more money each year simply to maintain what the District currently provides. Each year, the MPAEF works closely with the District to understand its budget and goals.  As a result of this process and in an effort to fully meet the District’s need for next year, our goal is to raise $4 million. Because our District does not receive additional funding from the state for an increase in the number of students, the District relies on local funding, including property taxes, parcel taxes, and the MPAEF’s grant to meet its budget.  Property taxes and other local sources, however, are not increasing as quickly as our enrollment growth demands. Thus, the MPAEF’s grant must grow in order to maintain and improve the quality of education our schools provide.
 
If I am not able to give the amount the MPAEF hopes to provide for each child in the District, should I still give?
Yes -- every dollar and gift matters!  The $4 million that the MPAEF aims to raise amounts to $1,500 of funding for each child at our schools. We understand that not all families can give this amount per child. We hope that every family will contribute in an amount that is meaningful to them. All donations are appreciated and go directly to supporting our children's education. Our schools count on us and we count on you.
 
How can I find out more about the MPAEF, including corporate matching, gifts of stocks or bonds, its Endowment Fund, and how to get involved?
Please visit our website at www.mpaef.org, email us at foundationoffice@mpaef.com, or call our office at 650-325-0100.

ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS ABOUT OUR PTOs

What is a PTO?
PTO stands for Parent Teacher Organization. Each school in the Menlo Park City School District has its own PTO. They are volunteer organizations where parents and teachers at a school come together to work on programs that benefit the educational experience of the children at that particular school. The MPCSD PTOs have traditionally been a group of motivated, active, vocal, and fun parents and teachers dedicated to improving the daily classroom experience of every child.  We welcome all new parents and incorporate new ideas each year. Our programs are open and adaptable according to the needs of the school.  Come join us and be a part of making every child’s experience at school a great one!
 
How can I get involved in our PTOs?
Anyone interested in donating time or assistance in a classroom or on campus can volunteer during school hours and/or after school. This may include providing food and/or supplies for classroom parties, assisting students in the classroom, helping with class projects, assisting the teachers, or helping in art class or in the library. In addition, each school’s PTO has many committees that work on a variety of programs focused on campus and community programs and activities. Interested parents should contact the student’s teacher, room parent and/or the PTO committee chair. Committees are always looking for more help! If you think you would like to do something but don’t know where to start, contact your school’s PTO. They will be happy to inform you of their activities and the types of help they may need. In addition, school announcements, the newsletter, and the website advertise requests for help throughout the year. To volunteer, use the links below.
 
 
Why do the PTOs raise money?
The PTOs raise money each year to enhance the educational experience of our children on our campuses and to support the educational programs of our teachers.  For example, each year funds are provided directly to our credentialed teachers for supplies and specific classroom enrichment activities. The PTOs also fund field trips, as well as on-campus educational and family events.  The majority of PTO funds are raised in the fall during the joint campaign. Additional fundraising events vary from year to year, and have included book fairs, bake sales, read-a-thons, and more.
 
Who decides how the PTO money will be spent?
The annual budget is proposed by the PTO Board and approved by the PTO general membership.  Discussions take place at the scheduled PTO meetings.  Please come and share your ideas about how the money should be used for your school.
 
When are the PTO’s meetings?
Please see the posted schedule on your school’s website for all meeting dates.
 
I’m a working parent — how do I get involved?
You are one of many working parents at your school, many of whom are involved in the PTO. There are many opportunities to support the programs we have.
  • Talk to your child’s teacher to see if they have projects you can take home (cutting out shapes, sorting, assembling, etc.). 
  • Volunteer to chaperone a field trip. We always need parents for this type of event.
  • Volunteer in the library. Do you have an hour some time during the week to help shelve and cover books during your child’s library visit?  Our librarian is always in need of help.
  • Volunteer to help with special events and many other types of activities. Many of these events take place on weeknights or weekends and need lots of help.
 What is involved in PTO committee work?
Some PTO committee positions require a substantial time commitment, but others can be done in less time and during non-school hours, which is often better for working parents and family members.   A committee sometimes consists of only one or two volunteers; others necessarily require more people.
 
Why should I get involved?
Each school’s PTO’s success is based on the strength of its volunteers.  Parents are welcome in the school and their support and assistance are sought in a variety of ways.  When parents volunteer, families and schools reap benefits that come in few other ways.  Getting involved at any level is also a great way for parents to get to know other parents and staff members.
 
How much time do I need to commit?
As much or as little as you are able. Each school’s PTO consists of parents who work full-time inside and outside of the home.  Some people commit significant amounts of time to fundraising or other committee work, while others get involved for a few hours on a specific project.  Any amount of time you can give is welcome and appreciated!
 
ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS ABOUT THE “ARE YOU IN?” JOINT CAMPAIGN

What is the “Are You IN?” campaign?
The “Are You IN?” campaign was started in 2011 as a joint fundraising campaign for the MPAEF and the PTOs as a way to better inform our families about our District’s financial need, as well as the crucial roles the MPAEF and PTOs play in meeting this need. Ultimately, the “Are You IN?” campaign is about supporting both organizations because that is the best way to support quality education for all children.
 
Why do the PTOs and the MPAEF do a joint campaign? 
Prior to the 2011-2012 school year, the PTOs and MPAEF campaigns were run consecutively. We heard from our donors that the separate campaigns were confusing and made it difficult for families and local businesses to plan their contributions. The PTOs and the MPAEF undertook a joint campaign last year that was successful for all of the organizations and received positive feedback from our parent  and business community. This year, the PTOs and the MPAEF are continuing the joint campaign and have made efforts to improve it based on the feedback we received from you. 
 
Can I make one payment to the PTOs and MPAEF together?
Unfortunately, no. Because each organization is a separate nonprofit with a separate tax ID number, contributions must be made to each PTO and the MPAEF. Please click on the logos for the organizations you wish to support at the top of this page.

Are my contributions tax-deductible?
Yes, your donations to the MPAEF and each school’s PTO are tax-deductible because they are all 501(c)(3) non-profit organizations. Please refer to each organization’s website for their individual tax ID numbers.
 
Will my employer match my contribution?
Many employers will match your contributions to non-profit organizations, extending the impact of your contribution. Contact your employer’s human resources department to find out if your company participates.
 
If I am a local business owner or realtor, how can I get involved?
Just as parents of enrolled children benefit from strong schools, so do local businesses. Many realtors and local businesses in our community contribute to the MPAEF with financial contributions, event sponsorships, and participation in the annual MPAEF auction. To support the schools in our District, please contact the MPAEF’s Executive Director, Lynne Van Tilburg, at lynnev@mpaef.org or the MPAEF office at (650) 325-0100.
 
Why are we spending funds on a joint campaign? 
The MPAEF and each school’s PTO allocated a small amount of their budgets (already allocated to raising funds) to cover costs of this collaborative effort. Additional underwriting and creative services have been provided by organizations, individuals, and businesses. All of the people working on the joint campaign are doing so as volunteers.
 
Where can I get more information?
 
Menlo Park City School District
Menlo Park-Atherton Education Foundation
Laurel School
Encinal School
Oak Knoll School
Hillview School
 
ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS ABOUT MPCSD FUNDING AND CALIFORNIA PUBLIC SCHOOL FUNDING

I’ve heard that MPCSD is a “Basic Aid” district and does not receive additional funding from the State when enrollment increases. What is “Basic Aid” and what does it mean?   (Source: www.edsource.org)
Each of California’s nearly 1,000 public school districts receives one of two revenue limit classifications – “Revenue Limit” or “Basic Aid” – and it is this classification that is used to determine how much funding the State provides to each district. 
 
First, the State of California calculates each district’s revenue limit using historical per student amounts that are adjusted annually, usually by a cost of living increase. The State then determines if each district generates enough local property taxes to reach its calculated revenue limit. If a district’s local property taxes ARE NOT sufficient to meet the revenue limit calculated by the State, then that district is classified as a “Revenue Limit” district. For each “Revenue Limit” district, the State provides the remainder of funding needed to reach the revenue limit. In a Revenue Limit district, the state provides additional (or less) funding as enrollment increases (or decreases).
 
If a district’s local property taxes ARE sufficient to meet the revenue limit set by the State, then that district is classified as a “Basic Aid” district. The State provides only additional funding of $120 per student to that district. Any local property taxes beyond the revenue limit are retained by the district. This property tax base is a more stable funding source to Basic Aid districts than what the Revenue Limit districts receive from the state. For the 2011-2012 school year, there were 127 Basic Aid districts in California (with the majority located in Marin, San Mateo, and Santa Clara counties). (Source: www.cde.ca.gov)
 
What does this mean for MPCSD? 
The Menlo Park City School District is classified as a Basic Aid district because our local property taxes are more than sufficient to reach our revenue limit. When property tax revenue grows faster than enrollment, funding per student increases. In recent years, property tax revenue has been flat, and enrollment has continued to grow. This means that if the MPCSD must provide for more students without any increase in revenue, per-student funding declines. The enrollment growth our district has experienced and continues to experience, coupled with the decrease in state revenue, means that the district can only increase per-student funding with private funds (raised by the MPAEF) or by raising additional local parcel taxes.
 
How much money does the Menlo Park City School District receive from the State of California?
The MPCSD is classified as a Basic Aid district and receives the "basic" funding of $120 per student from the State of California, as well as income from the Lottery.
 
For the 2012-2013 school year, our District anticipates receiving approximately $616,458 from the State of California, down from $2.9 million six years ago. State funding used to be 10% of our district’s budget, and is now less than 2%. Local private funding via the MPAEF is necessary to preserve the small class sizes and educational programs at our four schools – Laurel, Encinal, Oak Knoll and Hillview.
 
What are the MPCSD’s revenue sources?
For the 2012-2013 school year, MPCSD’s projected revenue is $32.6 million. This revenue breaks down as follows:
  • 65% Property Taxes and Revenue Limit Sources
  • 19.2% Parcel Taxes (Measures A, A&B and C) & Other Interfund Transfers-In
  • 10.3% MPAEF Grant
  • 1.9% State Aid
  • 1.9% Other Local (such as rental from the O'Connor campus)
  • 1.7% Federal
 
How will the State of California’s financial crisis impact our schools?
The impact of the State of California’s continuing financial crisis on public schools has gone from bad to worse. The MPCSD expects to receive just $616,458 from the State for the 2012-2013 school year, down from $2.9 million six years ago. If the economic situation continues to decline, education funding likely will be re-analyzed and Basic Aid could be at risk.
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