IRVINE -- Irvine Unified School District's superintendent and education board president made a joint plea to parents and others in the district community for a $365 donation to Irvine Public Schools Foundation by Dec. 31.
The city will match donations dollar for dollar up to $1 million because of a ballot measure passed a few years ago.
"If you've ever considered making a contribution to preserve excellence in the classroom, or even to help maintain the property values that are linked to our schools' performance, now is the time," said Superintendent of Schools Terry Walker and School Board President Michael Parham in a mass email.
"As you're probably aware, California's fiscal crisis has forced the (district) to make nearly $40 million worth of reductions in recent years, and uncertainties continue to mount at the state level," the email states.
"Though any amount is appreciated, IPSF and IUSD are asking you to consider a tax-deductible contribution of $365 -- or $1 per day -- by the end of the calendar year. We know this is a lot to ask, particularly during these challenging economic times. But this revenue will make an immediate impact in our classrooms."
In elementary schools, the funds raised will pay for qualified instructional assistants to increase the amount of one-to-one interaction in elementary schools, officials said.
In middle and high schools, the funds will provide additional staffing hours to reduce class sizes in subjects chosen by each principal, officials said.
About $500,000 has already been raised this year, and officials are aiming to raise the entire $1 million in match-eligible funds, foundation spokeswoman Steffanie Early said.
The city's program matches up to $1 million, but only $875,000 will be given to Irvine Unified School District; some of the funds are set aside for Tustin Unified School District, which serves some Irvine students.
In other fundraising news, the foundation's annual gala on Saturday is sold out with 400 people attending. The event is expected to raise $300,000 for the foundation's work as well as a more modest amount of funds that are eligible to be matched by the city, Early said.
Contact the writer: tmartinez@ocregister.com or 714-796-7955
Source: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/49525114/ns/local_news-orange_county_ca/
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