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 What is Berkeley
Schools Now? Berkeley Schools Now! is simply a group of parents who first came together last spring in the face of huge budget cuts to figure out how we could support programs we valued at our children’s schools. We decided to create a way for individuals and businesses to support the education of children throughout Berkeley. BSN! is an all-volunteer effort and anyone who attends our meetings or helps raise funds is part of Berkeley Schools Now! What
are the goals of Berkeley
Schools Now?
Our
initial financial goal is to raise $500,000 by December 31, 2003 to
support
important educational opportunities at every Berkeley public
school.
We
are also committed to building long-term community commitment to and
pride
in Berkeley’s excellent public schools.
How
will the money be raised?
Through mail and tabling efforts we are asking individuals throughout the Berkeley community to donate their federal tax refund to Berkeley Schools Now! And we’re seeking support from local businesses and major donors. Berkeley Schools Now! is partnering with the Berkeley Public Education Foundation, a 501(c)3 non-profit dedicated to improving public schools since 1983. How will the money be distributed and spent?
Each School Site Council will receive funds based on the school’s enrollment so that every dollar raised will benefit each student in the district equally. Site Councils are comprised of parents elected by parents, the principal, and staff selected by staff. They have the most direct knowledge of the needs at their school and are therefore the best equipped to address them. In addition, School Site Councils are not constrained by some of same restrictions that individual donors or PTAs face.
Here are some examples of programs that will be kept or expanded with the money raised by Berkeley Schools Now!:
Subscribe to the Berkeley Schools Now! etree. |