What is the Millbrae Education Foundation?

The Millbrae Education Foundation (MEF) is a non-profit, volunteer fundraising foundation dedicated to enhancing the educational opportunities of the children of the Millbrae School District.  The MEF was incorporated in 2007 to create a long term stable source of supplemental funding for our district schools.  The 2009-2010 school year marked the first full fundraising year for the MEF, and with support from parents, teachers, administrators, businesses and community members, the MEF has successfully surpassed its first fundraising goal of $160,000!

What is our Mission?

The MEF's mission is to provide “a broad-based volunteer organization that provides funding to enrich and sustain quality education for all students in the Millbrae School District."

When was MEF Founded and Why?

The Millbrae Education Foundation was founded in November 2007 by a group of parents and community members looking to provide much needed financial support to our district. Over the last three years the board (6–7 volunteers) has worked to become incorporated, attained non-profit status, and worked closely with principals, school officials and volunteers to raise money to help off-set educational budget cuts in the most effective way possible. In just over one year the MEF has raised and donated $234,000* to the Millbrae School District for our children's education!   (*This is a combined total from Spring 2009 and the 2009-2010 fundraising campaign)

Who are the members of the MEF board? 

The MEF board is made up of volunteers just like you.  Most of our board members are parents with children in our district, but some board members come from the general community as well.  We try to have volunteers from each of our five schools represented on the board.  Currently, our board is made up of volunteers from four of the five schools and we are actively recruiting someone from Green Hills to ensure that all five schools are represented.  In addition to the board, more than 40 volunteers have come forward to help as Ambassadors at their schools, data entry specialists, and as general volunteers.

How do you decide what programs to fund?

The MEF works with the superintendent, the school board and principals to identify areas of need.  Parent surveys are also used to gather additional input.  After collecting this information and determining where the funds will have the largest impact, the MEF board commits funds to the Millbrae School District for the next school year.  

This year you will see your donations at work funding Music in grades 4-8 and Instructional Classroom Aides in the elementary schools.  Research shows that elementary and middle school students who participate in a quality music program score 20% higher in English and math*, and that instructional classroom aides positively impact student attainment, participation, motivation, confidence, self-esteem and behavior**. (*From Teaching Music ** From Educational Research)

Community collaboration keeps these programs in our schools and collaboration will allow us to continue to do more, more programs, more staff and more for our children.

Public school is supposed to be free, why should I donate? 

Public schools need community support!

Thirty years ago California passed Proposition 13. This dramatically changed the way California public schools were financed.  California schools went from being among the top 5 states in the country to being ranked 48th today, in per pupil spending. (To learn more, we recommend visiting www.edsource.org and www.ed-data.k12.ca.us)

Because state funds no longer support the high- quality education we expect. It falls on the local community to preserve and protect quality education.  By raising money locally, we can create a long- term, stable source of supplemental funding for our schools that stays here in Millbrae.

The most successful school districts have both a strong education foundation and they have passed local parcel taxes.  Both the foundation and parcel tax allow the community to raise and keep money locally for local schools.  This gives parents and the community the ability to maintain quality education and to provide a long term stable source of revenue that bridges the gap between state funding shortfalls and the high quality programs we want for our children.  

Since 2009 the MEF has donated $234,000* to the Millbrae School District, funding and supporting a quality music program for students in grades 4-8 and Instructional Classroom Aides at each elementary school site.  Both of these programs would no longer be available if not for MEF dollars.  (*this is a combined total from Spring 2009 and the 2009-2010 annual fundraising campaign)  

 

Are we the only district with an Education Foundation?

No, in fact there are over 29 local education foundations in San Mateo County alone!  More than 600 LEF's (local education foundations) exist in California and they have raised over $220 million dollars to benefit local schools.  (To learn more, see the "Schools lean on Parents to Close Their Budget Gaps - Donations/Budget Cuts Factor into Push" article from the August 27th 2006 edition of the San Jose Mercury News and the California Consortium of Education Foundations website: www.cceflink.org)

Why are both MEF and PTA’s raising money for the schools?

MEF and PTA’s raise money for different and complimentary things.  Both play an integral role in supporting our schools.  The MEF raises money to fund instructors and staff such as Music Teachers, Instructional Classroom Aides and support staff.  This strengthens our district as a whole.

PTA’s are school specific and focus on creating community and funding things such as:  field trips, books, assemblies, Art programs, and computers that are specific to the needs of their particular school.

When you support both MEF and your school PTA you are supporting children and education.  It is this partnership and support that will keep our schools strong.  Please consider donating to both worthy organizations.

How can I help?

This year, we are again asking families to donate $450 per each child registered in the district ($450 is $45/month or $12.50/week). While this amount may be comfortable for some, we realize that others may find it more difficult. All donations, no matter the size, are important. We would like all of our Millbrae families to donate at a level that is right for them. We hope to raise our participation rate from 15% to 100% this year. Your support is greatly appreciated and will make a difference for our children and our schools!

 

What if I can't afford to pay the suggested amount?

MEF suggests a per child donation amount.  While this amount may be comfortable for some, we realize that others may find it more difficult.  All donations, no matter the size, are important to our success.  Last year 15% of Millbrae families participated.  This year, we encourage ALL families to donate at a level that is right for you!! 

It's time to help Millbrae Schools!
 

Education is a partnership between home, school and community. We value this partnership and look forward to continued growth. For this partnership to grow and thrive we need volunteers. Please consider joining the MEF Team either as a Foundation Ambassador at your school or by sharing a special talent on our board.

Imagine the possibilities with 100% participation!  Invest in Millbrae Schools, Invest in our children!

You can find out more information and contact us through our website: www.MillbraeEducationFoundation.org.