Protecting
Education's
Future: Now
- What is PEF: Now?
- How Can I Help?
- Donate Now
- Steering Committee
- What Funding Crisis?
- What is the Impact?
- FAQs
You may also make a donation
to an endowment - CLICK HERE!
Thank You
Supporters
Frequently Asked Questions
Why should I contribute now?
We are at a crossroads. The District has continued to cut the budget and has made every effort to keep those cuts away from instructional services. Any further cuts will erode the quality of education our children will receive. We’ve already seen reductions in elementary media specialists and guidance counselors coupled with larger workloads for classroom teachers. The Legislature has made it clear with it recent actions of mid-year cuts and allocation of k-12 funds to community colleges that it is not planning for the future, not even the near future when federal stimulus money is gone. As a community dedicated to providing a top-tier education, we need to plan for the near future, we need to retain more local control of school funding, we need to stand up for what we believe in and support PEF: Now.
We are part of a community that passed the FIRST enhancement millage in Michigan. We are part of a community where The Promise was founded and now supported by volunteers everywhere. When Pfizer displaced so many of our neighbors, we saw new businesses start as private researchers in the medical corridor. When we've experienced teen drug crises, we founded the Kalamazoo County Substance Task Force. This is a community that makes positive change, and PEF: NOW is the vehicle to support growth in the Portage Schools.
What has the PEF supported in the past?
Over the past 20 years, the PEF has provided over $390,000 in financial assistance to Portage Public School teachers, staff and students in the form of grants and scholarships.
Will the PEF continue in that role?
Yes
What is PEF: Now raising money for?
PEF: Now is an annual appeal to raise monies to support the PPS curriculum. While the PEF has administered smaller grants to individual teachers, PEF: Now is designed to support educational programs that we value in Portage. As an annual appeal, individuals can determine their giving levels. And collectively we can make a significant difference.
How has the State Funding Allowance changed since PEF: Now started?
The State Legislature “gave back” $11 per student of the $127 per student they took away in January of 2009. While we welcome the money, our funding levels are still below where they were two years ago.
What types of programs might PEF: Now support?
Monies raised will to go support educational programs in Portage Public Schools. Depending on the state funding levels, increases in expenses, proposed cuts, and how much money we raise, the Steering Committee will evaluate what programs could be saved or assisted with the funds raised. Examples may include supporting media and reading specialists at the elementary levels, elementary and secondary reading materials and elementary world language programs.
The State sets the funding levels for our schools. What are some things that the District provides that are not required by the State (and that may not be included in the State’s calculations of “adequate” funding levels)?
Some of the programs provided by PPS which go beyond State mandates include, but are not limited to:
- Reading Recovery
- Art and music
- Gifted and talented programming
- Elementary world languages
- International Baccalaureate and Advanced Placement
- Pyramid of Intervention
These programs make Portage stand out against other schools. Indeed, Portage Public Schools is ranked in the top 10% of Michigan schools. Both Portage Northern and Portage Central rank in the Top 100 High Schools nationally (U.S. News and World Report). These achievements are the result of hard working students and teachers - and also Portage’s commitment to education.
Are we still in a financial crisis?
Yes. Portage has already made difficult choices to adapt to lower funding and higher costs – these choices included $3 million in budget cuts this year. While we are anticipating $11 more per student than last year, we are still operating with less revenue than in 2008-2009. While the State and Federal government have worked together to provide one-time emergency funding to schools, they are still choosing to divert some of our funding to other programs. Whether we call this a crisis or not, it is clear we cannot continue down this path without changes to the quality of education that we provide.
I heard that the state foundation allowance is not going to be cut in the fall. Is this true?
In May, the House and Senate Fiscal Agencies, along with the State Treasurer, predicted that the School Aid Fund will be adequately funded this year. The consensus was that there would not be an additional reduction in the per pupil foundation allowance for 2010/11. The $165 per pupil cut that occurred in October 2009 still carries forward, however. That cut resulted in a $1.45 million loss in revenue to Portage Public Schools.
If the State is predicting a revenue increase in the School Aid Fund, why are some still skeptical that another mid-year cut might happen?
Politics. This is an election year. We have had 2 years (2002/02 and 2003/04) where we received a cut in revenues after an election. Last year's mid term cut was especially difficult because it wasn't expected. Additionally, there is talk in Lansing of using some of the School Aid Fund to pay a portion of the community college budget.
PEF: Now was created in response to the October 2009 mid-term cut in per pupil funding. Now that the State isn't predicting more cuts, why should I contribute to PEF: Now?
Two critical reasons.
1. The funds lost in that mid-term revenue cut are not being reinstated. The State is predicting that there will not be further cuts in 2010/2011 but we are still getting less in 2010/11 than we did in 2008/09.
2. A strong school system is the backbone of a strong community. Portage Public Schools has made drastic budgetary cuts in the last 8 years, attempting to keep as much of the cuts away from instructional services. PPS also has some of the lowest administrative expenses in the state (when compared to revenues). Even if revenues remain flat, expenses have increased. State mandated expenses will increase by almost $1 million next year alone. The State is not adequately funding our schools. We need to take action now, invest in our schools and protect the quality of education in our community.
The District was preparing for more cuts next year that are supposedly not going to happen now. How does this information change the current budget process?
Those cuts are still under consideration and have a strong likelihood of implementation if the district's expenses continue to rise but funding remains flat.
Why should I support PEF: Now?
Since the 2002-2003 school year, Portage Public Schools has cut $5 million from its budget. While PPS has made every effort to prevent cuts from affecting its instructional services, the district cannot continue to provide an outstanding education without financial support. Our schools are no longer receiving sufficient support from Lansing.
How can we be in a funding crisis – aren’t we building new schools?
These are two separate issues. By law, monies raised from a bond initiative cannot be used for classroom activities or teacher salaries. The bond was earmarked for new schools, renovations and improved technology. Bond monies cannot be used to pay operational expenses.
Who should contribute?
Portage Public Schools’ parents and alumni, local homeowners, and area businesses all share an important role in the success of our public school system.
How will funds be allocated?
In the spring, the district will identify needs and share them with the PEF: Now Steering Committee. The Steering Committee, made up of school and community volunteers, will then formulate a proposal on how the donations should be allocated. The Steering Committee will then present its proposal to the PEF Board for a final vote. In the final step, the Portage Public Schools Board of Education votes to accept the donation.
How much should I contribute?
We are requesting $30 a month, which is the equivalent of approximately $1 a day – that’s less than the average coffee or soda. We hope every family will contribute to the extent that they can.
I understand you are looking to raise money for Portage Public Schools operational fund...why? What has changed?
In the fall of 2009, legislators cut state funding to schools between $165 and $551 per student to balance the budget. In response to these cuts and the possibility of more cuts, the district sought out suggestions from the public on how to address this budget crisis. One comment heard frequently was that people would like to make a donation to the school to help preserve its quality and offerings. So the Portage Education Foundation decided to respond to the request and created an appeal to raise money to replace the shortfall expected by the recently announced state budget cuts.
What happened to the threatened $127 cut? Did we get that money back?
No, not exactly. Last fall, the governor threatened to cut another $127 per student from every school district which would have brought the total cut in Portage Public Schools up to $292 per student. Based on the results of the state’s January 2010 Revenue Consensus Conference, the state has decided to defer the $127 cut for the time being. So our total cut at this time is $165 per student. It’s still all bad news, just not quite as bad. The state retains the right to take away the $127 based on the results of the May 2010 revenue conference. In addition, the state is projecting a cut of $268 per pupil in the 2010-2011 fiscal year. Stay tuned.
Doesn't my property tax go to pay for public school education?
Not anymore. In 1994, Proposal A was enacted into law; completely changing the way public education is funded. Proposal A took away local control of schools and shifted control to the state.
Why is it so complicated?
You are right; school funding IS complicated. But under current state law, this is the way it is. Many school districts across the state are struggling with the same issues.
Why isn't Lansing taking care of public education?
That's a good question. Obviously the economic downturn is part of the issue. Forty-two percent of Michigan school funding comes from sales tax. As the Governor and the legislature work to balance the budget, they have chosen to cut funding by hundreds of dollars per student statewide. But under the current laws governing school funding, we are at the mercy of those making the budget cuts.
If we raise the millions we would need to reinstate the dollars the state has taken away, how exactly will this money be allocated?
In the spring, the district will identify needs and share them with the PEF: Now Steering Committee. The Steering Committee, made up of school and community volunteers, will then formulate a proposal on how the donations should be allocated. The Steering Committee will then present its proposal to the PEF Board for a final vote. In the final step, the Portage Public Schools Board of Education votes to accept the donation.
$1.3 million is a lot of money. What if the goal is not reached?
The District must make the necessary cuts to comply with state law and funds may be used as they are collected to offset costs. All the money collected will go toward programs and needs that impact classrooms. Even if it is not $1.3 million it will reduce the cuts that are made and will be distributed as indicated in the answer to the previous question. The appeal will continue as long as there is a need and community support.
Will money be used to pay teacher's salaries?
Yes. Without the ability to raise the money we are losing from the state, we will undoubtedly continue to raise class sizes and eliminate some programs and services.
Why give money to PEF: Now?
This is a legal and appropriate way to take back financial control of our schools and budgets. 501(c)(3) status means we are recognized as a charitable organization and are therefore enabled to collect donations. Donations are tax deductible.
What can we do to change the laws in Lansing?
Contact your state legislator to discuss changing the current school funding process.
What other school districts are affected?
There are 550 school districts across the State of Michigan and all are affected by the recent cuts.
If we succeed in collecting the money needed, what happens next year?
Every year we will re-evaluate the goals of PEF: Now. We will continue this appeal as long as there is community support and inadequate state funding.
This sounds like private school...If I wanted my kids to go to a private school, I would have sent them to one...
In a way, you are right. We are proud of the Portage Public School District and its historically high standards. But Lansing has tied our hands with respect to continuing to provide the education we traditionally had supplied in our community. So yes, in a way, we are looking at parents making up the shortfall with a significant donation. The difference is that instead of $8,000 + a year for a private school education, we are asking for about $30 a month, which is the equivalent of about $1 a day - less than the average Starbucks or soda.
I just don't like the whole thing... we are supposed to supply public education...
We agree with you. But at this juncture, unless we want to severely limit course offerings and eliminate programs, increase class size, and cut teachers, we must make up the money somehow. Donations to PEF: Now can help reduce some of the cuts that will occur.
How do we oversee the dollars being spent?
PEF has always had a grant procedure in place for distributing grants to the district in the past. We've modified it for this appeal. First, the administration will submit its proposal to the PEF: Now Steering Committee for consideration. The Steering Committee, consisting of parents and community volunteers, will review the proposal and make a recommendation to the PEF Board as to whether it should be approved. The PEF Board will then make its final vote. In the final step, the Portage Public Schools Board of Education will vote to accept the donation.
What if only a percentage of families participate?
We are looking for 100 percent participation and we are working to make it less difficult by creating a payment structure. We must make every effort to include all parents and we expect every family will contribute to the extent that they can.
What IS exactly the Portage Education Foundation?
The PEF, established in 1990, is a 501(c)(3) non-profit and has awarded more than $390,000 in support of students, staff, and district initiatives throughout Portage Schools. The PEF has assisted hundreds of students and faculty with grants covering a variety of costs not typically covered by District or individual school budgets. Given the recent cuts in state funding, the PEF felt it necessary to respond to the community’s request to start an appeal to help our schools now. Originally our goal was to provide "nice to have" items not afforded in the typical district budget through an endowed campaign. The PEF: Now appeal is designed to address more pressing needs of our school district.
But I already voted for the schools... I thought the bond passed in 2007...
These are two separate issues. The bond vote did pass, and by law cannot be used for classroom activities or teacher salaries. The bond was earmarked for new schools, building repairs and technology. Operational expenses cannot be paid out of the money raised from the bond.
How much of the money collected from families will be used to "run" this fund appeal?
The minimal costs for marketing and administering the PEF: Now appeal will come from the PEF general fund. 100% of donations will go back to the schools.
Are donations tax deductible?
Yes. The Portage Education Foundation has 501(c)(3) status.
Besides parents, are you soliciting funds from anyone else?
Yes. We are targeting alumni and alumni parents, community members at large, and area businesses. Our entire community has a vested interest in ensuring the quality of Portage Public Schools.
Are other school districts or educational foundations doing this?
Yes, many districts and educational foundations are turning to private donations. Even districts whose funding allowance is much larger than ours are developing annual appeals. East Grand Rapids, West Bloomfield and Mattawan school districts all have educational foundations that accept private donations that go directly back to the schools.
Still have an unanswered question? Please contact us at:
info@portageeducationfoundation.org.