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MEF-PTA Joint Fundraising Campaign
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do MEF and PTA/Parents Club need to raise money?
How much do our schools need?
Can’t property taxes address the shortfall?
Can’t our current parcel taxes make up the difference?
How are donations used?
How do I donate?
Can I pay in installments?
Do I get any tax advantages?
Do MEF and the PTAs accept corporate matching donations?
Why do MEF and PTA/Parents Club need to raise money?
• California’s education spending is WELL BELOW the national average.
• Since 2007-08 the Moraga School District has lost over $4.5 million in state funding.
• One time federal funds will be gone after this school year.
• MSD has made prudent use of district reserve funds to mitigate the impact of the state funding cuts over the last four years, but MSD now has less money left in reserves to cover shortfalls.
• Donations from parents and the Moraga community are key to maintaining the programs and services we value and expect for our children.
How much do our schools need?
• This year MEF and our PTAs are contributing approximately $1.5 million to the Moraga School District. The reality is that annual donations would need to triple in order to fill the gap due to reduced state funding.
• At Campolindo High School, MEF and Parents Club donated almost $500,000 to fund key programs and services that don’t exist at most other high schools in the state.
• For more information, see “How much our schools need.”]
Can’t property taxes address the shortfall?
• Since passage of Proposition 13 (1978) property taxes are often not based on the current value of a home.
- All property was reset to its assessed value in 1975.
- Property assessments may not increase more than 2% per year, unless there is a change in ownership or completion of new construction.
- Property tax may not exceed 1% of the assessed value.
• Like most CA school districts, local property taxes do not even cover our state-designated per student funding.
Can’t our current parcel taxes make up the difference?
• MSD’s current parcel tax of $325 per parcel (passed in 2004) has enabled the District to maintain class sizes and competitive compensation to retain excellent teachers
- While there is no sunset clause, the tax was only expected to cover costs for 7 years; careful management has stretched that out to 9 years.
- This money can not be re-purposed
- This money will not meet expenses beyond 2012-2013
• Even doubling MSD’s current parcel tax would not close the current state funding gap—however it would certainly help
• AUHSD passed an emergency parcel tax in 2010, but state funding has continued to decline, and donations have been needed to fund essential programs and services.
How are donations used?
Donations to MEF, our PTAs, and Campolindo Parents Club are key to maintaining the staffing levels, programs, and services we value and expect for our children. To see a full listing by school of what is funded, see “How every student benefits from donations to MEF/PTA.”
How do I donate?
Donating is easy. You can pay by credit card, check, or set up an installment plan. To learn more about donation options or to donate now see “How to donate.”
Can I pay in installments?
Absolutely. You can pay in installments via check or credit card. Click HERE to set up automatic monthly payments. To set up a customized payment plan to MEF, please call 376-0934.
Do I get any tax advantages?
Yes, MEF, the K-8 PTAs, and Campolindo Parents Club are all qualified (501)(c)(3) charitable organizations. All donations are 100% tax-deductible (to the full extent the law allows) for the calendar year in which you make your contributions.
Do MEF and the PTAs accept corporate matching donations?
Yes, matching gifts are a fantastic way to maximize the impact of your charitable contributions to MEF and PTA to support our schools. MEF can also accept gifts through your company’s United Way program.
[return to main Joint Fundraising page]
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