PEF Presents $2,399,940 to Piedmont Schools
On September 27, 2017, Piedmont Education Foundation (PEF) was proud to present a grant for $2,399,940 to the Piedmont Unified School District at the meeting of the School Board. PEF and the community worked together this year to raise these funds – which represent the net sum of all fundraising efforts for the year. These efforts included the annual Giving Campaign, March Mingle, Spring Fling, Harvest Festival, Business Partner sponsorships, and more. The grant was presented by PEF Board Chair, Christine Wente von Metzsch and PEF Executive Director, Heather Frank. The presenters thanked the community, the district, the PEF office team, and last year’s Giving Campaign Co-Chairs, Hilary Cooper and Eileen Kwei.
PEF Fills a Funding Gap
The PEF donation helps to fill the gap between what’s provided by tax dollars and what’s needed to provide a Piedmont student with an excellent education. That amounts to 25 additional full-time equivalent positions, or 952 additional hours per week of teaching, aide and specialist time.
The funds contributed by PEF join donations made by Parents Clubs, Support Groups, and other local contributions to make up 8% of the District’s budget. A committee of PEF Board Members, parents, and other community members worked with PUSD representatives last year to delineate the use of grant funds. The grant is primarily restricted to keeping class size small and ensuring that aides, electives, arts and intervention specialists remain strong components of the district makeup. The grant was approved by the PEF Board in May, 2017.
This year’s Giving Campaign is in full swing. PEF seeks to raise $2.2 million during the campaign and increase their support for Piedmont schools. To donate, visit PiedmontEdFoundation.org/donate.
Pictured in photo, left to right: School Board president, Sarah Pearson, PEF chair Christine Wente von Metzsch, PEF Executive Director, Heather Frank and Superintendent Randall Booker
Photo credit: Cory Smeagal[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
