Q: I've heard there are three different fundraising initiatives for 08/09.  My taxes already fund public education!  Why are you asking for more?
A: California ranks among the lowest in the nation for funding public education. On top of this, Mill Valley is a "basic aid" district, which means we get very little from the state. Our PTA even pays for paper, copying, and classroom supplies. Beyond the basics, we need library books, computers, art, music, and more! 

Q:  First, what is Kiddo!?
A: Kiddo! is parents, businesses and community members who donate funds to supplement the budgets of all  K-8 schools in the Mill Valley School District. Art, music, drama, poetry, dance, technology, library and classroom aides are all funded by Kiddo!. The Annual Campaign kicked off with Donation Day on May 1. To date, parent participation rate is only 53%. Kiddo! must raise almost $2 million this year to fund these vital programs. The tax deductible suggested donation is $750 or more per student. The goal is 100% parent participation, at any donation level.

Q: Second, what is Steeplechase?
A: Steeplechase is Edna's Annual PTA Fundraising Lap-a-Thon, to be held this year on October 17th. Your donations will pay for educational programs (click here!) here at Edna. This year we would also like to raise money for 60 new laptops. Our school has only 30 computers for 423 students! To make this our only fundraiser of the year, we need every family to give $300 or more per child enrolled at Edna.

Q: Third, what is Measure A?
A: Measure A, which will be on the Nov. 4th ballot, is an amendment to the district's existing parcel tax which will provide a secure, local source of increased funding for Mill Valley's K-8 schools. Due to significant enrollment growth, a slumping economy, and state budget cuts, we are in dire risk of losing our wonderful teachers and small class sizes. Visit www.KeepMVSchoolsGreat.org to learn more!

Q: How can I get involved?
A:  Join a PTA committee, volunteer your time for Kiddo or Measure A, help in the classroom!  Questions? Email Katrina Kehl  (kkehl@pacbell.net) or Leslie Lewczyk (lesliepta@gmail.com), our PTA Co-Presidents.

Thank you for your generosity, and thank you for supporting Edna Maguire!