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). For a pie chart of various funding sources (local, state, federal and fundraising) see the YES FAQ page.
Great overview, but can you be more specific?
The above linked YES FAQ page breaks down the specifics of funding your child’s education.
WTPA
The WTPA manages an annual budget of $50,000 to cover costs associated with classroom supplies, some technology, site improvements, and special events for teachers and families.
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YES Foundation
YES is our foundation for the Ross Valley School District. It serves 100% of kids at Wade Thomas, Brookside, Hidden Valley, Manor and White Hill. Its annual budget of $1.3 million funds high-quality instruction for art, music, poetry and STEAM (Science Technology Arts Engineering and Math); theater productions; library books. YES also builds community by holding events. Learn more and donate at the YES website.
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I’ve heard about “Roundtable”. What is that?
When the WTPA raises more than our $50,000 budget, the excess goes into a pool of funds (along with excess funds raised by other schools) that is managed by the RVSD Roundtable to support equitable improvements across our schools. In many cases, Wade Thomas will be the recipient of a portion of these dollars for improvements we cannot cover with our own budget.
How can I help the WTPA raise money?
Fun Run (Previously called Lap-a-thon)
This is our only fundraising event directly for Wade Thomas. The children ask their community for donations to run laps on the lower playground at the school. It is an all-day event with music, refreshments and lots of school spirit. It’s a fun school wide event and the children have a great time.
Of the total amount we raise, our school keeps $50,000 after we cover the expenses of the event. Expenses may include t-shirts and additional prizes such as class parties. Any excess funds raised go to the RVSD Roundtable, which funds various activities for the school district.
Birthday Book Club
In celebration of your child’s birthday, you have an opportunity to make a donation so that your child can choose a book to dedicate to the Wade Thomas School Library. This is a lasting and meaningful way to commemorate your child’s special day that also directly benefits our school!
Find out more and donate here.
Field Trip Contribution
There is no state or district funding for field trips. Therefore, we ask each family to donate voluntarily the estimated cost of their child’s participation in his/her trips. We realize for some families it might not be possible to donate the full cost. No child will be prevented from participating in his/her class trips for financial reasons.
How can I help YES raise money?
Here are a few easy ways to contribute:
- Family giving – contribute by donating directly to YES at https://yestokids.org/donate/
- Attend YES Parties with Purpose (these are different each year, for example, Battle of the Bands)
- Shop for YES – Earn a percentage for YES when you shop with participating merchants
- Support your school’s annual Book Fair
Learn about these opportunities and MORE at https://yestokids.org/. Reach out to askyes@yestokids.org with questions.