Supporting the children of the Encinitas Union School District

FAQs


The Encinitas Educational Foundation enriches education for the children of the Encinitas Union School District.  Together, parents join with business and community leaders to contribute money and other resources to the public schools.

 

WHO SUPPORTS THE FOUNDATION?

Concerned parents, local businesses and community leaders who want to ensure that the quality of public education remains high at all times support the Foundation.  The Foundation works hand-in-hand with the Encinitas Union School District and the nine school sites in the District.

 

HOW IS THE MONEY SPENT?

The contributions are given to the schools for a host of outstanding programs and materials that would otherwise go unfunded.  In the past, the money has funded hands-on science programs, music workshops, and physical education programs.  It has purchased computers and electronic equipment specifically requested by school sites.  The Foundation is also a source for mini-grants to be used by teachers for enhancing programs, encouraging and supporting students' talents, and improving classroom instruction.

 

CAN I DECIDE WHERE MY CONTRIBUTION WILL GO?

Yes!  The Foundation offers flexibility in giving.   You may give to the general Foundation fund for the equal benefit of all schools in the district.  Or you may designate a school or program as the recipient of your contribution.

 

CAN A DONATION BE SOMETHING OTHER THAN MONEY?

Yes!  Donations of supplies and time are welcome and are bona fide donations, sometimes carrying a tax deduction.   The Foundation seeks to form creative partnerships with local businesses.  The schools are part of the community.  Investing in education helps create good citizens and clients.  Everyone wins when a community supports public education!  

 

AREN'T TAXES SUPPOSED TO PAY FOR EDUCATION?

Taxes pay for a minimum level of education.   We want more than that for our children.  Consider these facts:

  • Proposition 13 and the restructuring of the California economy have affected our ability to keep pace in a competitive world. 

  • The state lottery , which helps support schools, provides funds that equal less than 3% of total school budgets. 

  • The national average of per student spending is $5,730 annually.  California spends only $4,640, ranking 40th in the nation in per student spending. 

  • The Encinitas Union School Districts receives just $3,017 from the state per student annually, less than the San Diego County average of $3,370.  Some neighboring school districts receive more than $5,000 per student from the state.

For these reasons, educational foundations are working at the grassroots level to raise funds to support a higher standard of education throughout California. Our outstanding colleges and universities in California count on these efforts to keep our entire community thriving and innovating.

 

HOW CAN I HELP?

  • Contribute to the Foundation's general fund or designate donations to a specific school, program, or project. All nine schools in the Encinitas Union School District benefit when contributions are made to the general fund. 95% of every dollar donated is used in classrooms. The Foundation is an entirely volunteer-run, non-profit organization with 501c3 federal status.  Your donations are tax deductible!  Download EEF's 501(c)3 Status Confirmation Here. 
  • Donate services

  • Volunteer for the Foundation.