In the past we have had muddled messaging regarding suggested donations, with donation “levels” ranging from $20 to $1,000, and a recommended donation.  This messaging seemed confusing, and we thought it would be better to set a single suggested donation number.

In setting a number we considered two factors:

1) what is the cost per student of the TLSP (fka adjunct) program, and

2) what is “market” for requested per-student donations at area public schools.

Regarding the first factor, cost per student, the TLSPs are employees of Culver City School District, but ALLEM is responsible for paying for 100% of the costs of the program.  The suggested amount is based on our best estimate of per-student costs, as the costs of the program have increased with the TLSPs as district employees and compensation agreements with the teachers’ union.  Changes in California employment laws were the reason for the TLSPs becoming employees of the school district.

Regarding the second factor, “market” for donations, when we looked at suggested donations at other public schools, we found that a number of area schools ask parents to donate between $1,000 to $1,600 per student per year.  The TLSP (fka adjunct) program is critical to what makes El Marino exceptional, but we recognize that we are not the only fundraising entity for the school, so we set the suggested donation amount below “market”.

We focus on raising the bulk of the money we need for the TLSP program during this Fall Pledge Drive.  The more we raise now, the less we will have to bug parents for money throughout the rest of the year.  If we are unable to fully fund the TLSP program, then the district will simply lay off TLSPs, so it is critical that we make sure we have sufficient funds to pay costs as they arise.