MPAEF FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What is the MPAEF?

The Menlo Park-Atherton Education Foundation (MPAEF) is a non-profit organization committed to supporting quality education at the four public schools of the Menlo Park City School District (MPCSD): Laurel, Encinal, Oak Knoll, and Hillview. The MPAEF is supported by parents, community members and businesses.   Over the past 25 years, the MPAEF has been the primary fundraising organization for our schools and has granted $16 million to fund essential programs.  The MPAEF’s record $2 million grant in 2007 represents over 7.5% of the district’s operating budget.

Who runs the MPAEF?

The MPAEF is administered by an all-volunteer board comprised of parents from the four schools in the District. In 2007, the MPAEF named Lois Giovacchini as its first Executive Director.

What does the MPAEF grant support?

The MPAEF’s grant represents 7.5% of the District’s operating budget designated as follows:

• Teaching Excellence:  Funding of 8 members of the school science and library staff.  In addition, funding of an annual $2,600 per teacher investment in recruitment, training and retention.
  
  
• Technology for Learning:  Funding of 5 members of the school technology staff and all of the 21st Century Classroom technology. 
  
  
• Curriculum Enrichment:  Funding of Jeanie Ritchie innovation grants, hands-on tools and instruments for district science and music programs.

Public school is supposed to be free. Why do I have to pay?

In the early 1980s California spending on education dropped dramatically as an unforeseen consequence of the state’s tax reforms known as Proposition 13.  Currently, California ranks 29^th in the nation in state spending per student.  Additional funding is required to maintain and improve the quality of education instruction in our school district.  With local funding including property taxes, parcel taxes, the MPAEF and other sources, the MPCSD’s spending per student is on par with the 8^th ranked state, and is just behind that of neighboring school districts like Palo Alto, Las Lomitas, Woodside, and Portola Valley.

Why are both the PTO and the MPAEF raising money for the schools?

Both organizations provide important support for our schools.  The MPAEF raises money to fund essential school programs to promote teaching excellence, technology for learning, and curriculum enrichment.  In fact, funding from the MPAEF represents around 7.5% of the district’s total operating budget.  One primary difference between the PTO and the MPAEF is that the MPAEF provides funding for additional personnel (including all 4 librarians in our district), while the PTO raises money for other school-related expenses such as special events, classroom supplies, playground equipment, etc.

Why is the MPAEF raising more money this year?

Enrollment in our schools has increased by more than 300 students in the last 5 years.  But the amount of money the MPCSD receives from the state does not increase when enrollment rises.  Instead, the MPCSD relies on local funding, including property taxes, parcel taxes, the MPAEF, and other sources, to fill the budget gap.  Property taxes and other local sources are not increasing as quickly as our need enrollment growth demands. Contributions from local funding sources like the MPAEF have a great impact on maintaining and improving the quality of educational instruction for every child in our district.

I am not able to give the amount the foundation will grant per student. What should I do?

Please contribute an amount that is meaningful for you.  Our goal for 2007-08 is to raise $2.3 million with the support of at least 1,000 families.  Every family matters, and every gift matters.

What is the endowment fund?

The Endowment for Excellence in Teaching is designed to fund targeted programs that will attract, develop and retain exceptional teachers for our schools.  The MPAEF established the endowment in recognition of the importance of quality teachers to student performance and overall school success.  In 2007, the endowment reached $2 million and is poised to direct distributions to fund professional development programs for our teachers.

Can I donate stocks or bonds?

Yes. To donate non-cash assets, please contact the MPAEF office at (650) 325-0100 or via email at: foundationoffice@mpaef.org.

How is company matching handled?

Many corporations offer matching donation programs. If your company matches personal contributions to charitable organizations, you may be able to double your contribution by simply requesting a matching donation from your company. You must initiate the matching contribution by requesting and completing a special form. Forms are typically available thorough your company HR department or on your company web site.  The MPAEF Federal Tax ID# is 94-2871701.  The Foundation Office can assist if you have any questions.

How do I get more involved in the MPAEF?

Contact your MPAEF Classroom Ambassador, call the MPAEF office at (650) 325-0100 or email foundationoffice@mpaef.org.