A message from the PTO President:

After several years of enjoying a comfortable financial cushion, it is time to bring the Sun Valley PTO 2011-12 budget in line with today’s economic realities. During the past few years, the PTO’s reserve cushion was depleted by overspending in several areas including enrichment, equipment and intervention. Spending down the reserve was planned. The overspending was not. The PTO ended last fiscal year by spending $59,342 more than budgeted. Almost half of this overage — about $33,000 — was due to overspending in 2009-10. The remaining overage consisted of about $10,000 in enrichment, $10,000 in intervention and $13,000 in equipment costs in 2010-11.

This previous spending enabled our students to excel academically and personally. Sun Valley is a distinguished school. But with decreasing fundraising revenues, this is not a sustainable fiscal model. PTO aims to close the budget gap by increasing fundraising by about $20,000 and identify about $20,000 in savings. For example:

* The PTO volunteer coordinator, a paid position, recently stepped down for a savings of about $3,000. 

* Other savings of at least $5,000 are being sought by reducing classroom support and equipment budgets. That means Sun Valley families might see more requests for classroom volunteers and supply wish lists from teachers and the front office. Unfortunately, the per-classroom budget provided by the state doesn’t cover what our teachers really need.

* Fifth grade parents are being asked to help offset the costs of the week-long Walker Creek Outdoor School trip with donations of anywhere from $30-$300. (Every fifth grader will go to Walker Creek this year, regardless of how much we raise.)

* Principal Julie Harris, PTO Treasurer Sue Murphy and PTO President Jenn Hatch reviewed areas where past overspending occurred and put new procedures in place to prevent it from continuing. For example, staff time sheets are being reviewed regularly to prevent the accidental overbilling of past years. And the San Rafael District Office is providing monthly reporting.

* The PTO projects that this year’s pledge drive will continue on its current course and come in over budget by the time the campaign ends this winter. As of Nov. 1, 67 percent of families pledged more than $100,000. (About $80,000 of that in in the bank) Therefore, the PTO revised and raised the pledge drive goal to about $150,000.  The PTO will continue its firm fundraising push during the current pledge drive and spring auction, with an emphasis on asking friends, family and neighbors to join us.

Did You Know?

Our PTO raises money to pay for critical programs and supplies.

Without the support of parents and community, many things we take for granted at Sun Valley School would not exist.

WHAT will we spend in 2011/2012? Around $204,000.

HOW MUCH do we need to earn? Approximately $215,000

2011/2012 Fundraising Programs include:

Pledge Drive

Online & Live Auction

Afterschool Enrichment

eScrip & United Scrip

Sun Valley Directory (Ad Sales)

(Last year, Pledge Drive brought in over $150,000 with 100% participation – Auction raised over $60,000)