Schools
Appeal to Help Keep School Programs Afloat
Pledge Day, which is part of the Hermosa Beach Education Foundation's Annual Appeal, raises $119,000 for the next school year.
Amid surrounding the ’s financial woes, the Hermosa Beach Education Foundation has kicked off its Annual Appeal fundraiser, which is off to an even stronger start than last year's.
The foundation raised $119,000 in both donations and pledges during its , which launched the appeal on Jan 27.
That amount is $17,000 more than what was raised last year, said Jill Stamp, co-chair for the Annual Appeal.
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This spike in donors serves as an example of how during tough economic times.
Last year’s Annual Appeal and PTO fundraisers allowed the district to hire back some of its teachers who would have otherwise been laid off. This year, the money will pay for:
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- Reduced class sizes
- Library services at Hermosa View and Valley schools
- Middle school electives
- Music program
- Physical education
- Science labs
These programs are not guaranteed funding from the state, Stamp said.
"Each year, the state has to balance the school budget," she said. "There are certain programs that, year after year, are not required for schools to function. Things like a P.E. class, things like music programs."
Funding from the Annual Appeal helps support those programs.
The Hermosa Beach Education Foundation will continue to raise money until June 15. Residents can make donations or pledge online at www.hbef.org.
Community members can also print out a donor or pledge form (see accompanying forms under photo) and send them with money orders to: HBEF Annual Appeal, P.O. Box 864, Hermosa Beach, CA 90254
