September 11, 2006

Parent Post

Could we find an accountant or public official to explain to me exactly why we received "$1,000 less state funding per student" resulting in a budget shortfall of over "$520,000 in just one school year"? How did our "low tax base" and "lack of free and reduced lunch student population" change from the last few years? Didn't we get more students and receive more money?

I remember just four years ago that the Walk A Thon was touted as a "direct" fundraiser which went right into the classroom. How much goes to the teachers? Why should I give the school a $100 donation to purchase ink, instructional materials, toner, counseling materials, PE equipment and office supplies? Shouldn't these supplies be covered under the general fund and extras be paid for with fundraising? Can you even buy $65,000 worth of ink, toner...etc?

Is there some kind of committee made up of school officials, teachers and parents who determine where this money goes? Or, is it up to just one person? I can't even find someone to tell me exactly how much money we made last year on the auction and Walk A Thon. Are there no records? And (this is the dirty question, sorry) where are the proceeds from the prestigious state lottery?

Please don't get me wrong! I'm HAPPY to give, just spell it out for me would you? I'd like to know what to write in the Memo spot on my check. And since it's going for school supplies like toner, is it tax deductible? I know I'm asking a lot, but I don't know WHO to ask. And I'm not trying to be sarcastic ....I really want to know.

Our Reply

The numbers the parent is referring to came from the September Prairie Vale Newsletter. See Part I of the Fundraising series >>

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