What
is SEF?
SEF is
a non-profit organization founded in 1982 by a group of
community members and parents concerned about state funding
cutbacks in our public schools. SEF serves all schools in
the Saratoga Union School District (SUSD): Argonaut,
Foothill and Saratoga Elementary and Redwood Middle School.
What
is the purpose of SEF?
SEF's
mission is threefold:
-
To channel private
sector resources to SUSD schools,
-
To promote excellence in
education, and
-
To inform and involve
the community in the needs of our school district.
The
foundation expects its fund raising activities to generate
ongoing financial aid for the district. Annual contributions
are an established custom among Saratoga residents. SEF
also has an Endowment Fund to provide long-term funding for
SUSD.
How
does SEF raise money?
SEF
raises money through direct solicitation of parents,
businesses and community members. Fundraising events
include a winter Phonathon, a gift-wrap sale,
eScrip,
Schoolpop.com, an
SEF golf tournament, and the Redwood Jogathon. Other SEF
programs include car sales , employer matching gifts and
Realtors for Saratoga Schools.
How
does SEF grant money to the Saratoga Union School District?
SEF
donates money to SUSD in an annual major grant. Since
1982, SEF has donated $9,878,718 to SUSD for vital
educational programs
Who
are the SEF board members?
The
SEF board members are parents from all four SUSD schools.
The board usually has between 30 and 35 voting members, with
many additional parents helping in supportive roles. The
Superintendent, School Board members, principals, and
teachers attend meetings in an advisory capacity. Board
meetings are open to the public. You are welcome to attend
our monthly meetings.
Does
SEF have any paid employees?
No.
SEF is an all-volunteer organization.
What
is SEF's administrative overhead?
For
the 2005-2006 school year, our administrative and
fundraising expenses were under 3.8% of our income. We
consistently keep the overhead to 4% or less.
What
programs does SEF support?
Funds
collected by the foundation benefit every child in every
school in the district. SEF is donating $1,055,613 for the
2005-06 school year. SEF's cash grant of $1,055,613 will
fund hands on science, music, art, theatre, library aides,
computer instruction, physical education, and a counselor in grades K-5.
For grades 6-8 the following are funded: library and media
center teacher, art aide, two science teachers,
and two counselors.
Where
can I get more information about donating to or
participating in SEF?
Leave
us a message at (408) 867-3424 extension 314. We welcome
your interest and participation.
