Mt. Washington Elementary is a public school. Why do we need to give money?
Based on a national survey by Education Week, California currently ranks 47th in spending per student. According to a recent Stanford University education study, K-12 education in California is underfunded by $17 billion. Within LAUSD, Mt. Washington is even further underfunded. Other than coverage for staff salaries--teachers and custodial staff-- we will receive only $24,000 total this year from the District. The $24,000 must cover essentials such as substitute teachers and professional development as well as necessary supplies such as photocopying paper, toilet paper and pencils.
How will the budget cuts affect Mt. Washington this year?
As a result of the budget cuts, Mt. Washington lost three full time teacher positions. We will also lose our full time librarian position. Although we have fewer teachers, we anticipate student enrollment to remain the same. Class sizes are anticipated to be 24 students/teacher in K-3, and 36 students/teacher in 4th through 6th. Thus, our wonderful and dedicated teachers will need to contend with larger classrooms. This will make instruction more challenging, and could adversely affect our test scores unless we provide our teachers with critically needed support.
Why did the PTA decide to do a direct appeal campaign so early this year?
In the past, the PTA has launched its direct appeal campaign in December or mid-year. Given the immediate challenges posed by the budget cuts, we needed to address this emergency right away. Because district funding for our school will likely not improve in the near future, the direct appeal campaign will be an ongoing annual effort. In fact, direct appeal campaigns are commonplace throughout the state; there are over 600 educational foundations throughout California that provide necessary funding for their school districts.
How did the PTA decide on its direct appeal campaign funding priorities?
Although we've funded various enrichment programs in the past, we've identified increased class sizes as our main priority. As a preliminary step, we've identified hiring instructional aides as an effective measure to address larger classrooms. However, over the coming months, we will be meeting with the entire school body-- the principal, teachers and parents --to determine how best to maintain our academic excellence with funds from the direct appeal campaign.
What happens if the PTA does not reach its goal of raising $150,000?
If we don't reach our targeted goal of raising $150,000, we won't be able to fund all the positions that could address increased class sizes such as instructional aides. We will host other fundraisers throughout the year such as dances, movie nights, and other events. But there is no guarantee that these efforts will enable us to reach our targeted goal. That's why we're asking families, friends and businesses to give as much as they can.
How did the PTA decide on the suggested amount of contribution per family?
We calculated a baseline amount of $365 per child on the principal of "a dollar a day", or $30/month, which is less than most monthly family cable or cell phone plans, or the price of eating out once a month. Given our school's socioeconomic diversity, we recognize that some families won't be able to give $365--since we're striving for 100% participation, no amount is too small. Even a $5 donation demonstrates a commitment to your child's education. We also ask families who can afford to give more to do so--at the $2 a day ($60/month) or $3 day ($90/month) levels.
I've heard that Mt. Washington is not a Title One School. What does that mean?
Some schools receive federal money called "Title One" funds. To qualify for Title One funds in LAUSD, 40% of the student population must qualify to receive free or reduced meals. If 40% of the school population qualifies, the school receives $275 per qualifying child. Other neighboring elementary schools qualify for these funds, and consequently have not suffered the same reductions in teaching staff.
Although Mt. Washington has families who may qualify, we have not received sufficient free or reduced meal applications to establish our eligibility as a Title One school. That is why the PTA is urging every family to fill out and submit the free or reduced meal application if they meet the requirements, even if they intend to provide a home-packed lunch for their child. In most cases, foster children automatically qualify for a free or reduced meal.
I live in Mt. Washington, but I don't have children. Why should I give money to the PTA?
It's a given in real estate that property values are linked to the local school's reputation and performance. Mt. Washington has historically ranked among the top elementary schools in Los Angeles. If our test scores drop because of increased classroom sizes, property values could similarly fall.
Is my contribution tax-deductible?
Yes. Mt. Washington PTA is a 501(c)(3) entity. Your contribution is 100% tax deductible.
I can give $365, but not all at once. Can I pay in installments?
Yes. Our online payment system is set up to allow for monthly payments.
Can my company make a matching gift?
Donations go twice as far with matching gifts from corporations. If you are not sure whether your company offers a matching gift program, you can check on our website at www.matchinggift.com. On the direct appeal donation form, please fill out the matching gift information.
I still have questions. Who can I talk to?
You can send an email or call the PTA at (323) 207-4111 and leave a message with a return phone number. We'll call you back to discuss any questions you might have.
How do I donate?
Click here to donate online with Paypal, or write a check payable to "Mt. Washington PTA" and send it to the office. You can also send an email or call the PTA at (323) 207-4111 and leave a message with a return phone number. We'll call you back to discuss other ways to donate.
