February 16, 2025 Breaking News, Latest News, and Videos

Santa Monica School District to Increase Fundraising:

Deep cuts due to the state’s ongoing budget crisis have increased the need for fundraising at the local level for the Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District. In order to meet this need, the district’s fundraising arm, the Santa Monica-Malibu Education Foundation (SMMEF), has developed a new strategic vision.

This vision was presented to board of education on Aug. 10. A key goal is to substantially increase sustainable revenues from diversified resources to respond to the emerging needs of the district. To that end, SMMEF aims to generate at least $1 million in annual, sustainable revenue by the end of 2013. In addition, by the end of 2013 the group aims for the endowments for academics, arts, and athletics to have principal balances of at least $2 million each and have an annual endowment campaign to continue growth into the future. SMMEF plans to accomplish this through enhancing its strategy for raising annual sustainable revenue along with developing additional strong community partnerships.

SMMEF currently raises approximately $400,000 to $500,000 annually from their various partnerships and programs.

Another goal of the strategic vision is for SMMEF to develop a master agreement with the district so that the funds it raises can be properly allocated for needed programs in the schools. Also part of the vision are changes to SMMEF’s organizational structure which its members hope will help them expand their ability to draw upon the community’s expertise in fundraising, marketing, and financial management.

The organization’s new strategic vision was developed through a community-wide visioning process that included the participation of teachers, parents, senior citizens, business leaders, and City officials. The SMMEF’s board of directors approved it in June 2011. The vision also supports the district’s newly adopted strategic plan, specifically the plan’s goal of providing an excellent education to all district students.

The board was very supportive of the vision. “I know young people will have greater opportunities despite the fiscal crisis we’re facing from this vision,” noted Board member Oscar de la Torre.

Board President Jose Escarce responded to the comment by SMMEF’s Executive Director Linda Gross that “in the past SMMEF has been hampered by the way we can fundraise.” Escarce stated, “we should create the right framework for those who want to contribute to the district.” Escarce and the board were also supportive of the foundations efforts to learn about the foundations in other districts including their relationships with their foundations. They requested Superintendent Sandy Lyons to “undertake an investigation, examination, and assessment of what these relationships are and what would be optimal for our district.”

Also supportive of the plan was Jan Maez, the district’s chief financial officer. “The events of the last week have put the funding model the legislature adopted for the state budget at risk. I think the idea we won’t have mid-year cuts in December is fading pretty fast.” It’s never too soon to think about addressing any additional cuts from Sacramento.

in News
<>Related Posts

Country Club Donates $1M for Palisades Recovery

February 14, 2025

February 14, 2025

The club has encouraged members and partners to contribute to an established fund The Riviera Country Club has pledged $1...

UCLA Suspends Pro-Palestinian Student Groups Following Protest at UC Regent’s Home

February 14, 2025

February 14, 2025

Chancellor Cites Potential Student Code Violations; Student Groups Reject Allegations UCLA has suspended two pro-Palestinian student organizations following a protest...

Black History Greens Festival to Celebrate Community Legacy of Virginia Avenue Park

February 13, 2025

February 13, 2025

The free community event is part of Santa Monica’s Black History Month celebrations, with the 2025 theme, “Roots and Reflections:...

Flash Flood Warning Issued for Burn Areas, LAFD Officer Swept off Road by Debris

February 13, 2025

February 13, 2025

Storm Damage Closes Pacific Coast Highway, Officials Urge Caution Not even members of the LAFD are being spared from the...

Film Review: Love Hurts

February 13, 2025

February 13, 2025

FILM/ REVIEWLOVE HURTSRated R83 MinutesReleased February 7th Valentine’s Day is written all over this movie. Love Hurts seems to be...

New Map Tracks Palisades Cleanup Progress, Identifies Phase 1 and Phase 2 Areas

February 12, 2025

February 12, 2025

New interactive map helps residents track debris removal progress as officials emphasize unprecedented cleanup speed A newly released interactive map...

Santa Monica Hotel Event Space Offers Affordability, Accessibility

February 12, 2025

February 12, 2025

Elevate Your Events with Versatile Venues and Exceptional Service Coastal stays and eclectic event spaces don’t have to be expensive....

Santa Monica Arson Suspect Arrested After String of Fires Across City

February 12, 2025

February 12, 2025

Authorities used aerial drone technology to assist in the investigation A man was arrested Saturday in connection with a string...

Tai Chain to Donate Santa Monica Grand Opening Proceeds to Wildfire-Affected Restaurants

February 12, 2025

February 12, 2025

The restaurant’s U.S. presence began in Arcadia, Calif., in 2000, and has since expanded to 17 locations  Din Tai Fung,...

SMMUSD Makes Rain-Related Announcement About Malibu Schools This Week

February 12, 2025

February 12, 2025

Road Closures and Flood Warnings Force the School District’s Hand All four public schools in Malibu will be closed on...

(Video) The Willows Students Bring a 50-Foot Dragon to Life Through Art and Teamwork

February 12, 2025

February 12, 2025

Kristy Acero, The Willows DK-4th Grade Art teacher, led her students in a large-scale, collaborative project, with each grade creating...

Man Sues Famous Marina del Rey Bar for Alleged Assault

February 12, 2025

February 12, 2025

The plaintiff is seeking compensatory and punitive damages By Zach Armstrong A patron has sued Brennan’s Pub in Marina del...

Phase 2 Debris Removal Underway in Palisades, Officials Tout Historic Recovery Speed

February 12, 2025

February 12, 2025

Residents Urged to Submit ROE Forms as Crews Accelerate Debris Removal Efforts Crews have begun Phase 2 of debris removal...

Powerful Storm to Bring Heavy Rains, Possible Debris Flow to Los Angeles

February 12, 2025

February 12, 2025

Officials Warn of Risks, Urge Residents to Prepare for Severe Weather A Pacific storm system is expected to bring widespread...

One of Palisades’ First Black Homeowners Seeks Support After Fire Destroys Home

February 11, 2025

February 11, 2025

Now displaced, she faces uncertainty in finding stable housing Nearly $42,000 has been raised for Louvenia Jenkins, a 97-year-old woman...