Parent urges district to address funding inequities between high‑income and Title I schools

Rachel Broderick, PTO vice president at Havencroft Elementary and a parent, told the board during the public‑comment period that district schools experience wide disparities in resources because PTO fundraising and corporate sponsorships vary by neighborhood wealth. “There is a stark and undeniable inequity of financial support between our high socioeconomic schools and our Title I schools based on their PTO fundraising ability and their corporate sponsorship support,” Broderick said. She described higher‑income PTOs raising tens of thousands of dollars for classroom technology, enrichment and staff support, while Title I PTOs must sometimes use fundraising to meet hunger and basic needs first. Broderick urged the district to consider options including a district‑level equity fund or matching‑grant program to supplement schools with limited PTO revenue, a prioritized district effort to secure corporate sponsors for Title I schools, district‑funded field trips for Title I grade levels beyond third grade, expanded food‑security support on non‑school days, and proactive training and capacity building for Title I PTOs. She said her goal was not to punish successful PTOs but to reduce structural gaps: “We cannot allow the quality of a child's educational experience or the staff work environment to depend on how much money their school's PTO can raise.” Broderick asked the board what more the district can do to ensure equitable opportunities and supports across schools. Board members did not take action on her requests during the meeting; the public‑comment item is recorded and available for board consideration in future discussions.