ENDOWMENT

Endowment Reaches $2 Million Milestone!

Thanks to generous donors, successful investment strategies and continued parent support, The Menlo Park-Atherton Education Foundation (MPAEF) Endowment for Excellence in Teaching has now reached $2 million!  With our initial funding goal successfully met, our Endowment is poised to generate annual interest of $100,000 that will fund teacher professional development programs for the faculty of the four schools in the K-8 Menlo Park City School District. 

Consistent with its 5-year strategic plan, the District recognizes the important influence teachers have on student performance and overall school success by funding teacher professional skills. The District is focusing its professional development plans for its team of 154 teachers and administrators and 77 classified staff on four areas:

1. Advancing the use of technology in education,
2. Differentiated instruction, its knowledge and practice among teaching faculty,
3. Leadership training for selected teachers and administrators, and
4. Evaluation of investment for program refinement.

Our Endowment investment portfolio continues to perform well.  Currently, we are invested in a diversified portfolio of mutual funds in the large cap, small cap, international and inflation hedge areas.  Our performance is especially strong when compared to the overall market:

Three committees staffed by volunteers and consultants serving pro-bono manage the MPAEF Endowment: an Investment Committee, Fundraising Committee and Advisory Board of Educators.  All three groups report to the MPAEF Board of Directors, and are chartered to build, manage and guide the Endowment.

What is the mission of the MPAEF Endowment?

To invest in the professional development of our faculty. Our goal is to fund targeted programs that will attract, develop and retain exceptional teachers for the students of the Menlo Park City School District.

Among the 550 education foundations in the state, the MPAEF Endowment is the only targeted initiative whose sole mission is investing in the professional development of teachers…an overview of the MPAEF Endowment (.pdf).

Why was an Endowment formed?

After 25-years of private fundraising for our Menlo Park public schools, the MPAEF saw an opportunity to respond to some of the longer-term, strategic needs of the school district that could not be addressed through its annual grants. The MPAEF also saw neighboring education foundations launch an endowment, so with the counsel of the School Board and our Superintendent, the MPAEF formally established an Endowment Fund in 2003.

How large is the MPAEF Endowment?

We have reached a $2 million under management milestone!  If you wish to support our mission of building excellence in our schools, please contact us!  Use the attached pledge form (.pdf). If you wish to make a gift of securities, please use the attached stock transfer instructions form (.pdf) and contact Peg Phelps at 650-327-7557, .

Download the MPAEF Endowment Overview document (.pdf)

For more information about the endowment program and answers to frequently asked questions… Endowment FAQ (.pdf)