Blog: Community Donations at Back-to-school Nights Get LCFEF Annual Fund Off to a Great Start

Community support for the La Cañada Flintridge Educational Foundation was strong as the LCFEF kicked off its annual fundraising appeal at LCUSD schools’ Back to School nights.  All told, the community donated over $456,000 towards the LCFEF annual campaign, up 18 percent over last year.  LCFEF Executive Director, Deborah Weirick said “We’re thrilled to start the year out with such tremendous support from the community.”

Paris Cohen, LCFEF President, said “Just as important, the numbers of families who gave at one of the Back to School nights increased by 24 percent.  We’re delighted to see more families joining with us to ensure our schools’ continued success. The slogan for this year is “Our Schools.  Our Future.  It’s up to ALL of us” and I take the “all” very seriously.  Our whole community will benefit from our success and everyone should share in the cost.”

Last year the LCFEF was able to raise $2.1 million dollars for local schools.  This allowed the district to retain seven K-3 teachers, keeping class sizes down; preserve counselors, the IRC Librarian, the availability of more elective classes, and fewer students in “core classes” at LCHS 7/8; and retain thirteen sections of 9th grade geometry, English, foreign language and art, among others. 

This kind of support, and more, will be critical again this year, as the LCUSD will receive $1,013 per student less in unrestricted funds from the State than it did in 2007-08 if voters do not approve Governor Brown’s initiative (Proposition 30) to increase sales and income taxes in November.  If it passes, that loss would be $588 per student - still a formidable number.  Our district has already cut every ounce of fat from the budget.  It will be up to the community to make up the difference and the LCFEF board is pleased to be off to a great start towards that goal.

Our schools, our future, it’s up to us.  All of us.