We are pleased to post results from the 2018 PPIE School Survey, which is used to identify parent and teacher preferences for PPIE supplemental staff funding at each school.  The results will be presented to each school principal and leadership team as well as to PUSD leadership, which will help guide PPIE funding allocations at each school site for the coming year.  Thank you for participating!  The following are screen shots of your votes and, below, are summaries of the many valuable comments that people left.

We had a total of 544 votes this year, with a range across each school (see below).  This was 60% higher than last year and, next year, we hope to double the number of votes.

Now for the votes!  Each bar chart below captures the number of #1, #2, #3, etc. rankings received for the positions listed below.  Most people voted Student Intervention Specialists as their top choice with Librarians receiving the second most.  The IS position is new at PUSD and we are genuinely excited – PPIE is helping to fund 9 full time positions at each Elementary School and 5 positions in math, english and technology at the Middle and High Schools.  Many schools are incorporating the role into their Access/Flex periods in which students are grouped by ability to receive focused instruction.  As students advance or need help, they are re-grouped throughout the year to ensure maximum learning.  We have heard very positive feedback from principals and teachers and we look forward to sharing PUSD data concerning impact as it is collected.

Librarians                                                          Onsite IT                                     Student Intervention Specialists

Support Counselors                                        Crisis Counselors                                     Additional Class Sections

No Preference                                           Other (comments added below) 

 

We also received valuable comments from you and read every one.  Thank you for taking the time.  Here is a summary – please let us know if you have additional comments and send them to mail@ppie.org

  • Parents would like to see additional funding for music and art – so would we! We are looking into this now.
  • A number of families simply cannot afford to make a donation  – This is perfectly understandable.  Our goal is to have 50% of PUSD families contribute (this year we finally reached 21%; other school foundations typically have 50% to 70% participation).  Our recommended donation is $500 (as opposed to $1,000 at other foundations), but we genuinely appreciate all giving, such as $1 day ($180), which may be spread over 10 months with a click of a button on our donation page.
  • Some families prefer to donate to PTA/PTSA/PFC to ensure funding goes to their school –  This is great – every bit helps.  But please know that PPIE has a close partnership with these parent clubs – PPIE primarily funds STAFF and the parent clubs primarily fund STUFF (class materials, activities and parent/teacher development) – so that ALL funding goes to school classrooms to support our students.  Moreover, 100% of parent donations to PPIE go back to your schools.  
  • Several parents feel they already pay high property taxes, which should cover school expenses – PPIE worked with PUSD to create an info-brochure about How Schools are Funded.  This includes an info-graph about where the money goes, including our property taxes, and a table that compares PUSD funding to other school districts in the region.  You can also see how Pleasanton schools rank in terms of performance – hint: VERY HIGH at all levels.  We invite you to read – and send any questions to mail@ppie.org.  Hard copies of the brochure are available at PPIE’s office at 245 Abbie St. in Pleasanton. 
  • A number of parents want more funding to support students with Special Needs – PPIE has been meeting with the PTA Council Special Needs Committee and with PUSD staff to address this concern.  Our hope is that, in the interim, the Student Intervention Specialist positions will enable more targeted support for all students.
  • Several parents asked for bus transportation for field trips – In 2018, PPIE funded round-trip bus transportation for Elementary School Outdoor Education in participation with Black Tie Transportation who generously provided discount rates for excellent buses.  We are happy to support a trip that is a highlight for many elementary students and hope to continue in the future.
  • Several parents asked PPIE to provide after school programs – We are looking into this option for programs that prepare students for a positive future.

Thank you for participating!  If 50% of our families donate to PPIE (including company matching), we can almost TRIPLE our funding to Pleasanton schools and address many of the concerns above.  If you have not already contributed, please consider a one-time, extended or (new this year) stock securities contribution here.  Thank you for your support!