California’s Education Funding Problem
Despite being the fifth-largest economy in the world, California ranks among the bottom third of U.S. states in per-pupil public school funding. When adjusted for the high cost of living, the state spends $4,000–$7,000 less per student than the national average in well-funded states. This means that government funds cover only the most basic instructional needs—far from the well-rounded education families expect in Piedmont.
The Funding Gap: Why PEF Exists
For 50 years, the Piedmont Education Foundation (PEF) has worked to ensure that Piedmont’s public schools have the resources they need to deliver a high-quality education. In California, where public education is chronically underfunded, our schools depend on community support to bridge the gap between state funding and the true cost of educating our students.
What Government Funds Don’t Cover
California’s funding covers the basics. Everything beyond that — everything that makes Piedmont schools exceptional — is made possible through local funding and donations. This includes:
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Smaller class sizes
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Credentialed librarians and libraries
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Counselors and wellness services
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AP and Honors courses
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Electives, including visual and performing arts
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Classroom aides and paraeducators
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Enrichment and innovation in the classroom
Parcel taxes help, but they don’t cover it all. That’s where PEF comes in.
Community Support Makes It Possible
Piedmont is unique in its deep, sustained community commitment to public education. Generous support of local parcel tax measures and consistent parent and community participation in fundraising events allows the Piedmont Unified School District to maintain academic programs and student services that would otherwise be at risk.
Each donation—whether through the Giving Campaign, Spring Fling, or other fundraisers—directly impacts the quality of education in our schools.
How PEF Stewards Your Donations
Every contribution to PEF is an investment in our students. Our volunteer Board of Directors works closely with district leadership to ensure that funds raised are aligned with the community’s priorities and directed toward areas of greatest need. We honor every gift with transparency, responsibility, and care. Because when you give, you’re not just helping a school, you’re shaping the future of our students.
Together, We Fund Piedmont’s Public Schools
Public school funding in California has changed dramatically over the last 50 years. In Piedmont, our commitment to our schools hasn’t.
With your support, PEF will continue to preserve and enhance educational excellence for generations to come.
