How is my child’s education funded?
California’s educational funding has been drastically cut over the past 30 years. As a result, programs including art, music and libraries, that used to be included in standard public school curriculum, are at risk of being discontinued or severely scaled back. State funding, property taxes, and parcel taxes alone do not cover the funding gap for the quality education that our community wants to provide for our children.
This gap is filled by both the Wade Thomas Parents Association and the YES Foundation. Together these make up approximately 5% of the district’s budget (1% PTAs, 4% YES).
Funding education
in the RVSD
Funding for
Wade Thomas Elementary school ONLY
Funding by
Wade Thomas Parents Association
Fundraising goal 2023-24
$132,300 per year
$450 per child
School-wide equipment
Classroom & Office Supplies
WTPA & DEI Sponsored Events
Field Trips
Children for Change
Walker Creek
Professional Development
Staff Appreciation & gifts
Funds raised by Fun Run, direct ask, events, wishlists
Funding for
All 5 RVSD Schools
Funding by
YES Foundation
Fundraising goal 2023-24
$1,000,000 per year
$900 per child
8 ART TEACHERS'
SALARIES & BENEFITS
7 MUSIC TEACHERS'
Salaries & Benefits
Art supplies
Music Supplies
Library Books
After-School Theater Programs
We ask those who can to please donate.
Every contribution, no matter what amount, is appreciated and valued.
Please note that all donations cover the CURRENT school year's program costs.
Attendance counts!
Attendance Counts for Learning, Wellness & Funding
Research and experience tell us that regular school attendance significantly influences student’s success – academically, socially, and emotionally. Without a strong foundation in the lower grades, students often fall behind as they move up the grades, and catching up and feeling good about their learning and themselves can become daunting.
In addition to the negative impact avoidable absences can have on a child’s development and overall success in school, there is also a consequence to the District’s revenues. Every day a student attends school, the day is counted towards our ADA (see the article above to learn more).
With roughly 1700 students enrolled in RVSD and 180 school days, that equals 306,000 possible student days in a school year. If each student in the District takes one day off, the District loses approximately $105,000 in revenues. With a current ADA rate of 93%, down from our historical 15-year average of 96%, we are losing an additional $544,000 per year.
We know students miss school for a wide range of reasons and we understand that some absences are unavoidable due to sickness, religious observances, family emergencies, or other unpredictable circumstances. RVSD is committed to maintaining the highest possible attendance rates in each of our five outstanding schools, and as our partners in your child’s education, you play a key role in helping us maximize your child’s opportunities for success and ensuring we receive as much funding as possible.Here are some strategies to use at home:
- Take trips during non-student days.
- Reinforce with your child the importance of daily and on-time attendance.
- Don’t let your child stay home unless they are truly experiencing symptoms of illness.
- If your child is anxious about going to school, check in with teachers and other school staff for support. Sometimes a stomach ache or headache can be a sign of anxiety.
- Schedule medical or other appointments during non-school hours. If appointments can only be scheduled during school hours, have your child attend for any part of the school day.
Should you have any questions regarding your child’s attendance or how we can work together to ensure that they are participating fully in their educational experience, please contact your child’s school.
Let’s join together to increase our attendance rate to 96% or higher this school year!