PPIE raises record funds for PUSD

PPIE raises record-high funding for local schools

Money will go toward intervention specialists, librarian hours and more

by Erika Alvero / Pleasanton Weekly

This year, the Pleasanton Partnerships in Education Foundation (PPIE) raised a record-high $644,000 for local schools.

The funding raised through PPIE’s Annual Giving Fund Campaign surpasses last year’s by over $100,000. Much of the money will go toward intervention specialist programs in the 2018-19 school year, according to the organization’s executive director Steve McCoy-Thompson.

“Thank you very, very much, Steve, for all you do for us,” said Steve Maher, a PUSD trustee, at the May 22 board meeting when McCoy-Thompson presented the board with a ceremonial check. “I don’t think we would make it without you.”

“Yes, thank you very much,” added board vice president Valerie Arkin. “It’s wonderful that we can put that money to good use for things for our kids in the district.”

PPIE is a local nonprofit that supports Pleasanton schools through year-round fundraising efforts.

The organization’s Giving Fund is supported through direct donations from parents and employer matching funds, along with proceeds from the annual Run for Education, which was held April 15.

PPIE executive director Steve McCoy-Thompson (far right) presents the PUSD school board and superintendent with a ceremonial donation check and Run for Education volunteer t-shirts. (Photo courtesy of PPIE)

“PPIE focuses on funding supplemental staff to support our students and teachers,” McCoy- Thompson said. “What’s important is that our funding is guided by school principals, teachers and parents who determine how the staff are best utilized at each school. We are grateful to our amazing volunteers, corporate sponsors and parents and we are honored to support our incredible Pleasanton schools.”

This year’s donation will be divvied up among various sectors throughout the district:

* $240,000 to fund intervention specialists in math, technology and English language, including one full- time specialist at each elementary school.

* $97,000 for extra librarian hours to keep libraries open at recess and lunch.

* $92,000 for on-site IT specialists.

* $85,000 for more support counselor and librarian hours at Foothill and Amador Valley high schools, along with support for Village High School and the Harvest Park and STEAM preschools.

* $42,000 in student and teacher grants for STEAM projects.

* $38,000 for round-trip bus transportation for outdoor education at all elementary schools, provided by Black Tie Transportation.

“Building excellence throughout our school system requires a community effort,” said Stephen Hilton, PPIE board president. “PPIE is grateful to the individuals, families and businesses whose generosity helped us raise more money for schools than ever before. We hope to build on that momentum as we look ahead to next year.”

Original Article can be found here