Dear Willard Community,

Unprecedented declines in state funding for public education in California are threatening the quality of education at Willard Elementary School.  The PUSD Board of Education has been asked by the State of California to plan for an additional $35 million reduction in the district budget on top of all the cuts that have already been made. Several of the proposed budget cuts threaten to have direct impacts at Willard. PUSD teachers will be laid off and a number of critical programs will be eliminated. Willard has felt the impact of last year's budget cuts, such as, increased class sizes in K - 3, a reduction in staffing, and a 25% cut in I.B. funding. The administration was able to protect instructional programs and to fund the remainder needed to keep the I.B. program, by using reserve funds which are now depleted.

At risk for elimination

Programs:

• The IB program, including:
• World Language Instruction  (Spanish)
• Technology Instruction
• Arts & Music Programs
• Physical Education Program
• Intervention programs, including:
• Saturday School
• After School Tutoring
• Classroom Instructional Support

Positions:

• Library-Coordinator
• Guidance Counselor
• Instructional Aides
• Bilingual Instructional Aides
• P.E. Instructional Aide
• I.B. Coordinator
• Technology Coordinator
• Spanish Teacher
• School Community Assistant
• Reduction in Office Staff

These are essential programs that contribute to the outstanding well rounded education our children receive at Willard.  In order to help maintain this high quality of education in these tough economic times we must find creative ways to help bridge the funding gap. It is with this in mind that Willard is kicking off a new tradition of direct giving to establish an Annual Fund on which the school can draw to help stave off the impact of State funding cuts.

Why you should donate to the Willard Annual Fund

As a member of the Willard family, you already value the quality of education the school has consistently delivered and your child has received. We must protect the unique IB program, high APIs and cultural and economic diversity that make Willard a jewel of the district. Contributions to the Willard Annual Fund are not taken into consideration when State and Federal funds are allocated, so your contribution will directly benefit Willard and help preserve the instructional programs that we value. Your financial support will help ensure the fundamentals remain enhanced at Willard ensuring all students continue to receive a well-rounded education.

Accountability - How your donations will be managed

Pasadena Educational Foundation (PEF), a community-based nonprofit which provides financial resources for PUSD schools, will manage donations on behalf of the Willard Annual Fund. You can find out more about PEF at www.pasedfoundation.org. PEF does not dictate how Willard funds are spent, and all funds donated for Willard stay with Willard. PEF charges no fees to Willard for this service.

You may indicate that your donation is to be targeted for a particular at-risk category such as art and music, math/science/technology, library services or you may choose to make an unrestricted donation. Our principal, Dr. DeBose, in conjunction with the School Site Council, will oversee use of funds and make decisions about how to allocate them in accordance with the donor's preference. 

Whether your donation is large or small, your donation will make a difference. Please take a moment to donate now at willard-pta.org/annualfund

Sincerely, 

Parents in support of the Willard Annual Fund