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BRSSD officials urge parent involvement and explain Schoolforce fundraising to fill state funding gaps
Summary
Principals described Schoolforce and PTA support that funds reading specialists, counselors and enrichment programs the state does not provide.
Belmont-Redwood Shores principals described local fundraising and parent volunteer roles that support programs the district says state funding does not cover.
Chuck Donovan said the district relies on local fundraising and partnerships to maintain services families expect. “In California, they do not properly fund the public schools,” Donovan said, explaining why the district solicits donations and partners with PTAs. He said Schoolforce — the district’s local fundraising campaign — supports reading specialists, physical fitness coaches, additional teachers and librarians, and funds teacher grant programs and assemblies.
Sheila Walters encouraged parent involvement in school life, listing volunteer roles such as room parents, chaperones, yard duty supervisors and participation on English Learner Advisory Committees and student council. Walters said parent voice helps shape school plans and goals.
Donovan and Walters noted PTAs and Schoolforce work together to pay for positions such as full-time school counselors and science or art specialists that the district would otherwise lack. The presentation was informational; no new fundraising measures or budget votes were taken at the session.
