| | Published August 31st, 2011
| MEF and PTA Donations Save Programs, Jobs
| | Submitted by Erica Zeidenberg | | |
Moraga School District and Campolindo High School will be reinstating programs and teachers for the new school year as a result of the over $1.5 million donated to Moraga Education Foundation (MEF) and the district's Parent Teacher Associations (PTA) through June 30. Total donations to MEF for the 2011-2012 year came to $1,519,994 with $1,430,000 being contributed to the Moraga schools.
 At the Moraga School District Governing Board meeting on August 8, the Board approved rescission of layoff notices and reduction-of-hour notices for the coming school year given the success of both organizations' fund raising campaigns.
The additional MEF funds raised during the May Campaign allowed for the reinstatement of the following to elementary schools and middle school:
- elementary physical education teachers restored to 1.6 full-time equivalent for K-5
- librarians restored to 3.2 full-time equivalent for K-8
- reading tutors for K-3
The additional PTA donations
provided:
- reinstatement of the Kids Connect program
- K-5 teachers, .23 of a full-time equivalent
- Technology coordinator, .73 full-time equivalent
- Reading tutor substitutes
- Reinstatement of the math boost program
- Support for JM electives
- Support for student programs at JM
MSD Superintendent Bruce Burns said in an email to parents, "On behalf of the Moraga School District, I wish to thank you, the Moraga Education Foundation leadership and contributors, our PTA presidents and their members, and the Moraga community for their donations. Your contributions result in the continuation of the weekly K-5 PE program, all libraries remaining open four days a week, counseling support at all schools, a fully supported elementary Reading Tutor program, and 4th-8th math intervention classes. Whether you made a donation or offered your time and energy to our fund raising efforts, I hope you take great satisfaction in knowing you made a difference for this year's 1,762 students."
Campolindo High School
For Campolindo High School, MEF will contribute $400,000. Based on district priorities, Campolindo principal Carol Kitchens came up with a list of funding requests for Campolindo. The funds will be split with $126,000 going to department grants, $46,000 in classroom lab supplies and $228,000 to maintaining smaller class sizes, staff development, counseling, tutoring and technology. Some specific areas being supported by MEF's donations are:
- Smaller 9th grade classes and electives
- Art, Auto technology, computer programming, world language curriculum enhancements
- Digital photography, drama, instrumental music materials, video production, wood technology
- Counseling and support services such as the support counselor, peer tutor trainer and coordinator, staff development programs, math tutoring center
- Classroom technology and curriculum tech coordinator
The Campolindo Parents Club is contributing $116,600 to a range of programs and services including:
- Support services such as English and tutoring centers
- Classroom technology
- Staff development
- Student programs including Model UN, mock trial, robotics, etc.
- Other curriculum enhancements including social studies, special education, PE/health and more
Mrs. Kitchens said, "The reason Campolindo is ranked among the top high schools in California and the country is directly linked to the incredible amount of support our students and teachers receive from MEF and Parent Club. Thanks for all you do for Campo and look forward to working with you again this year. "
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Lamorinda Weekly, Moraga CA