Burlingame schools awarded more than $675K (by Neil Gonzales, San Mateo County Times)
BURLINGAME An infusion of $675,500 will help the Burlingame School District continue paying music, physical education and library specialists in the current academic year.
The funds from the Burlingame Community for Education Foundation will support several of those positions, said Nicole Johnson, the nonprofit organization's program manager.
"It's through strong community support that Burlingame is able to fill the gap between what our tax dollars pay for and what we want for our children's education," said foundation president Christine Seeley, who will present the check to district leaders tonight.
Continuing to have those specialists will benefit students' learning and overall well-being, Johnson said. "When students participate in music, they do better in math. There's a correlation," she said. "Obviously, everyone is trying to get their kids physically fit these days. It's not just sports but health and nutrition. When kids are exercising, they're more focused in the classroom."
District board Vice President Greg Land called the foundation's donation "critical," especially given today's economic uncertainties. Like other districts statewide, Burlingame has had to operate on a tight budget, he said, and "next year, it's likely going to be tighter."
The foundation will step up its fundraising efforts to try to counter some of that bleak fiscal outlook. It has set a goal of raising $850,000 before June 30. "That's 25 percent more than what (the foundation) contributes to Burlingame schools today," Seeley said.
To meet that goal, the foundation plans to encourage greater parent participation in its annual campaign. Last school year, 35 percent of district families contributed to the foundation.
The foundation also will seek business sponsorships for its events and help from the broader community.
"We don't know what the next state budget will look like," Johnson said. "We want to proceed assuming that we have to donate more to support the programs that would be cut if somebody doesn't support them."
For more information or to donate, visit http://www.bcefoundation.org.

– Written by Fiona