Answers To
Frequently Asked Questions

What is PiE?

 

Palo Alto Partners in Education (PiE) is the only non-profit educational foundation devoted exclusively to raising money for all Palo Alto Unified School District (PAUSD) schools, and the only one whose contributions pay for additional and much-needed PAUSD teachers and staff.  We partner with parents, the school district, and the community, to give all students the best education possible.

 

 

What are PiE's fundraising goals for the 2011-2012 campaign?

 

PiE's goal for the 2011-2012 Schools Campaign is to raise the funds needed to support critical staffing and programs at Palo Alto schools.  We hope to raise $3.9 million for the Palo Alto Unified School District, a 14.7% increase from last year's contribution.  In addition to the large grant, PiE's goal for teacher grants remains at $100,000. Each year, we work closely with PAUSD to set our fundraising goals, to mitigate budget cuts and ensure continued excellence across district schools.  The funds we raise support carefully chosen target areas at each school level. (Click here for more detailed information about PiE target areas.)

 

 

Who runs PiE?

 

PiE is a non-profit educational foundation run by a Board of Directors of dedicated parent volunteers with professional expertise in a variety of areas, including fundraising, finance, development, business, and marketing.  Strong supporters of Palo Alto's public schools, PiE Board Members understand that a public education is free, but a great education is not.  PiE employs a full-time Executive Director, Kathy Schroeder, as well as two part-time staff members. They can be reached in the PiE office at 650-329-3990 or by sending email to Kathy at kschroeder@papie.org.

 

 

Why should I contribute to PiE?

 

PiE dollars now make up well over half of the flexible funding that our principals can spend at each school. These dollars fund classroom aides, arts, and science in our elementary schools; classroom teacher coaches, counselors, and electives enrichment in our middle schools; and student guidance, college and career counseling, and career and technology-focused electives in our high schools.

 

To find out how PiE funds are being spent at your school, click here.

 

 

Aren't public schools supposed to be free?

 

Public financing alone can no longer provide the high quality education we expect in our community.  In order to maintain and build upon the academic excellence of our schools, which draws families to our neighborhoods and keeps property values high, we must seek additional funding.

 

California's ranking on per-student spending on education has steadily decreased since the passage of Proposition 13, a consequence of the state's tax-reform efforts.  Two types of school classifications resulted from this funding reduction: Basic Aid and Revenue Limited.  Revenue Limited districts do not raise enough taxes locally to meet the state minimums and therefore receive funding from the state based on the number of students enrolled.  Basic Aid districts (such as Palo Alto) are perceived to have enough local tax revenue to meet minimum school funding and, thus, receive relatively little state funding.

 

As a Basic Aid district, we must rely on the generosity of local donors and ballot measures, in addition to federal and state funding, to augment property taxes and support our school district's high standards of excellence.

 

 

Is it true that PAUSD has a surplus? If so, why is PiE still asking for money?

 

PAUSD has won repeated awards for its outstanding financial management from the state. The district is required by law to maintain a healthy and substantial reserve to cover unforeseen expenses and shortfalls during fiscally challenging times. Superintendent Skelly has told the community that the reserve will be drawn down over the next few years as state and federal finances get tighter. Unfortunately, the kind of educational program Palo Alto schools offer is no longer free. PiE funds the important programs that the district can no longer support and needs donations to preserve crucial staff like aides, counselors, electives and others. Your donations and the donations of all community members allow Palo Alto schools to continue to offer the enriched education that many other school districts have been forced to cut in recent years.

 

 

How does my contribution impact my child?

 

PiE is committed to an equitable distribution of funds across district schools on a per-pupil basis per school level, so that all students benefit. In the spring PiE sets its target goals for the following year, together with each school principal, parents (through market research), and with input from the district.  Once these targets are set, principals work with their staff to allocate dollars appropriately.  PiE dollars directly support staff members that enrich education at the individual school level and support broader educational priorities set forth by the district's strategic plan. In addition, in the event of severe cuts from the state, PiE may also give principals the flexibility to use some PiE funds to alleviate teacher layoffs. PiE donations can be directed towards elementary schools, middle schools, high schools, or remain unrestricted. PiE target areas for 2011-12 are:

 

 

For more detailed information on PiE targets, click here.

 

 

I just donated to my PTA.  Should I also donate to PiE?

 

Yes!  Both are critical funding sources for local schools.

 

PiE supports vital school "staff" and is the only fundraising organization permitted by the Palo Alto Board of Education to pay for salaries during the school day, allowing for in-class support such as classroom aides, arts instructors, and science specialists at the elementary school level; student counselors, teacher coaches and elective teachers at the middle school level; and college, career and guidance counselors, and career/technology elective staff at the high school level.

 

The PTA supports "stuff" such as classroom enrichment and supplies, school site improvements, playground equipment, student scholarships for field trips, and site-specific programs such as assemblies and parent-run community-building activities.

 

 

 

How do I donate to PiE?

 

It's easy to support Palo Alto Partners in Education (PiE. Donations can be made online via credit card or PayPal, or by downloading the remit form and sending a check or credit card information to: Palo Alto Partners in Education (PiE), PO Box 1557, Palo Alto, CA, 94302. At each elementary school there are PiE boxes in the office where you can also leave donations. It is also possible to make monthly installments or pledge future contributions.

 

If you have any questions, please contact Executive Director Kathy Schroeder at the PiE district office at 650-329-3990 or kschroeder@papie.org.

 

 

How much should I give?

 

To raise the funds we have been asked to raise for our schools, we are asking every family to give $800 per child enrolled in school. By comparison, suggested donations from neighboring school districts are: San Carlos: $1,000 per child; Los Altos: $1,200 per child; Menlo Park: $1,500 per child; and Las Lomitas: $2,000 per child.  We set a recommended dollar amount that enables PiE to meet its target goals and fund essential staffing needs across the Palo Alto Unified School District.

 

This suggested donation is neither a minimum nor a maximum; we're asking you to give what you can but to consider an amount that is significant to your family. If you can double your gift from last year, you will help us reach our higher goals. If you can join our Leadership Circle for $2,500 or more per family, you will join the hundreds of families who give a premium to public education in PAUSD. Every donation is appreciated and well-spent.

 

 

When should I donate? Should I wait for a Challenge Grant or Donation Days?

 

Donations are welcome anytime. Our 2011-12 Schools Campaign runs from mid-August, 2011 to January 27, 2012. Our Back to School Challenge Grant ends September 16, 2011, and will match any amount at or above the suggested donation of $800 per child. Donations made early in the year help build momentum and provide the foundation for a successful campaign, so we especially welcome gifts made early in the campaign! Whenever you choose to give, please know that your gift will be used and valued.

 

 

Is my donation tax deductible?

Yes. Palo Alto Partners in Education is a 501 (c)(3), non-profit organization. Our Tax ID # is 77-0186364.

 

 

What about company matching programs?

 

Many employers offer matching donation programs to encourage employees to contribute to charitable organizations.  Some companies match your contribution dollar for dollar, while others will double or even triple the amount of your donation.  Generally, employees can initiate the matching contribution by requesting and completing a form provided by the company website or HR department.  To search for your company, please click here. Palo Alto Partners in Education's EIN (Tax I.D. #) is: 77-0186364.

 

For more information, please contact Executive Director Kathy Schroeder in the PiE district office at 650-329-3990 or kschroeder@papie.org.

 

 

How can the local community support PiE?

 

The local community is vital to the success of PiE in fulfilling our fundraising goals. Last year, individuals without children and businesses in the district directly contributed a total of $135,000 to PiE, exceeding PiE's Community Campaign goals.  In addition, companies providing matching funds gave nearly $300,000 to PiE's campaign.

 

To find out more about our community programs and opportunities, click here.

 

 

I'm unhappy with my individual teacher, principal, school board, or district staff; why should I give to PiE?

 

If you are upset with any aspect of your child's education, please communicate your concerns to your teacher, principal and/or superintendent.  They all want to ensure your child has access to the best education possible, and is enjoying their school experience. Withholding a donation to PiE only increases the risk that essential staff will be cut. When we give to PiE, every child benefits.

 

 

What are PiE Teacher Grants?

 

Each year, PiE solicits applications from teachers for our Teacher Grant program, which supports innovation and collaboration in teaching.  Our goal for this year is to raise $100,000 to support excellence in teaching across the district. For more information about this program, please click here.

 

 

How can I get more involved with PiE?

 

There are many ways to become an active PiE supporter and volunteer.  The best way to begin is by contacting your PiE School Chair, or by sending us an e-mail at: volunteering@papie.org.  We welcome your involvement!

 

 

"It's why we moved back here: the great reputation of the Palo Alto Unified School District, and the knowledge that PiE exists and the role it plays in that great reputation." Brian Chancellor, PAUSD parent and Palo Alto native