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05/20/2008: "SJC School District Receives New Pledge"

(SJISD Superintendent Soltman explains shortfall factors to the SJI Rotary Club)

San Juan Island School District received a new pledge of matching funds money this week that raises the matching funds total to a new high of $135,000.00; but still short of goal.

The San Juan Public Schools Foundation “Save Our Schools” campaign has raised the money in an effort to fully restore program cuts relating to a revenue shortfall.

The new pledge of $50,000 in Matching Funds came from Valmark Inc. (Kings and Marketplace in Friday Harbor). Over the past two weeks over $135,000 has been raised toward matching a $300,000 “Challenge Gift” to mitigate an expected $600,000 operating fund shortfall projected for 2008-09

Superintendent Michael Soltman said, “We are so grateful for this wonderful matching gift from Valmark Inc. Matching funds received so far have allowed the board to restore teaching positions that had been slated for reduction next year; but full restoration of programs are still in need of funding.


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Soltman added that “another $165,000 must be raised in order to restore other program and service cuts identified for next year. We can now direct every dollar raised to restore cuts to the athletic program, elementary school counseling services, and basic services such as custodial, secretarial, and paraprofessional support for students with learning difficulties.”

Community members wishing to make a contribution to call the Schools Foundation “SOS Hotline” at 370-7925, or to use the “donate now” secure link on the Foundation website, http://www.sjpsf.org/

The school district is collaborating with members of the Public Schools Foundation and the Community Foundation to develop a community task force to determine funding needs over the next 4-5 years, and to begin to identify a long term school funding solution.

A three pronged approach is being considered to include longer range fiscal planning to sustain essential instructional and co-curricular programs, organizing legislative advocacy for basic education funding, and the planning and development of short and long term local funding solutions.