Fundraising: Our taxes don't cover all of our Public school expenses

Many parents, especially those new to the public school system, feel (rightly so) that their taxes should cover all of the expenses their child's public school needs to give their child a good education. However, in recent years, state budget cuts have affected our schools more than ever before. Arizona's state funding per public school student is one of the lowest in the US. Our principal, Elizabeth Minno, is given a very small budget by the state to cover everything that Robins needs. Even funding for basic items such as paper, pencils, crayons, etc. is not adequate for our needs. There are three types of funding that are used to keep Robins operating and educating to the best of its abilities: state funding, tax credit donations, and funds raised by the school's Parent Teacher Organization (PTO). The first type of funding provided by the State of Arizona pays for things like teacher salaries, custodians, and some supplies and textbooks.

Arizona State Tax Credit donations , the second type of funding, work very much like giving the public school of your choice a loan until tax time. Most families filing jointly can give Robins Elementary a tax credit donation of up to $400. This amount is returned to the family by the State of Arizona in the form of a State Tax credit to be used towards what they owe in state taxes, when they file their state taxes. TUSD is set up to receive these funds through their web site and you can tell them which school to credit it to. You can also set it up so that you donate a little every month instead of $400 in one lump sum. When you give Robins a State Tax Credit donation you are effectively telling the state of Arizona WHERE to spend your state taxes. Check out: TUSD's Tax Credit page.

The school's Site Council decides how tax credit money is spent. The rules state the funds must be used for extra curricular, non-graded activities and/or equipment for those activities. In the past tax credit has funded our art teacher, PE teacher, field trips, and the OMA (Opening Minds through the Arts) program.

So what does PTO need to fund raise for? Well, there are small and large needs that are not covered by state funds or tax credit donations. PTO sponsors field trips and assembly programs that support the arts, supplies for teachers or for children whose parents can not afford them, and paper for PTO information fliers sent home to families. There are also miscellaneous items that are crucial to the safe and healthy functioning of a school that most people don't think about. For instance, the PTO gives the principal $400 for things she might need during the school year, like lice kits, minor repairs and student rewards. In 2008 we bought a $200.00 carpet steam cleaner machine for the school to spot clean accidents that happen in the classroom from time to time. The District does not give schools extra money for these items.

In 2007, money raised by PTO's big fundraiser was spent on the library. The library was set up for wireless internet, 4 laptops, and 2 digital projectors were purchased, an interactive white presentation board was mounted on the wall, the library was painted, and leveled reading books were purchased.

In 2008 our main fundraiser made enough money to purchase 8 document cameras and projectors for the teachers. These document cameras and projectors allow students and teachers to present projects to the whole classroom so that everyone can see easily, and the cameras can be used to digitize and save their work. These are just some of the technological improvements being used in schools all over the country and they help bring Robins into the 21st century.

In 2009 we were able to finish purchasing document cameras and projectors for all classrooms, and also to purchase working laptops for every teacher so that they are able to use the new document cameras. This ensures that every child will be exposed to and get to use new technology.

In 2010 we were able to upgrade the student computer lab.

Therefore, our PTO needs to raise funds for all these expenses not being paid for by other sources of money. It is up to us, as parents, family and friends, to support our school and students to the best of our abilities. If a family cannot afford to donate money to the school, we ask for any kind of help parents can give such as volunteering their time, or taking orders during our fund raiser and then delivering purchased merchandise. There are many ways to help.

Like many schools Robins PTO works with a fund raising company that provides us with order forms and catalogs of things like cookie dough, wrapping paper, gift items, etc. We take orders and collect money. The company then gives us the merchandise to deliver, and 40% of the profits. This method has been amazingly successful in past years and the PTO has raised significant funds in this manner. If families prefer, donations may also be made directly to Robins PTO or Robins Gift and Donations account rather then participate in the PTO fund raiser. We are happy to accept direct donations for any amount of money families feel they can afford.

In 2010-2011 a small group of parent volunteers ran a spell-a-thon, and assisted with the Bookman's annual read-a-thon. These new fundraisers were fun and educational for the students, and raised a nice amount of money for Robins to use towards technology. We hope that we can do more of this type of fundraising in the upcoming years, but will need all the parent volunteers we can muster. Besides being educational and beneficial for students, 100% of the funds raised (rather than a percentage) goes to Robins.

Remember that PTO stands for Parent Teacher Organization: that means that every parent (or caregiver) that has a child at Robins belongs to this organization. We're a team and only through teamwork can we get our children the education that they deserve. Come join us and be a part of making Robins Elementary a great school!

Thanks for your help. We're looking forward to getting to know you.

For more information about fund raising and why it's necessary, or how you can help, please contact Robins Elementary's Fund Raising , and Volunteer Coordinators.