Editor,
Last week, a letter to the editor (“SchoolPower’s Strategic Options,” May 11) raised questions about SchoolPower’s salaries and expenses. SchoolPower is committed to being transparent with its financial records and keeping overhead costs below industry standards. In fact, SchoolPower’s executive director salary has been in the $65-75,000 range for the past five years. Yearly entertainment expenses are from $100 to $500.
SchoolPower contributed $752,695 to our schools last year, which would not have been possible without SchoolPower’s 60 volunteer trustees, small staff (three part-time employees and a full-time executive director), and the support of this fantastic community. The money funds K-3 class size reduction, music, STEM resources, the arts, high school counselors, and athletic programs. It inspires teachers with teacher grants, classroom support, and Rocket Ready’s project-based learning. Our annual fund-a-need has wired our schools for technology, transformed our classrooms, and ensured that our kids have a safety net through a social-emotional program. In the fall, the latest effort to teach digital literacy will further equip our kids in their ever-changing world.
SchoolPower has created sustainable fundraising, increased community involvement, and maximized our impact for Laguna students. We do this through outreach and partnerships (Community Campaign, Student Directory, Business Alliance, Real Estate Honor Roll, Laguna Locals Card), events that offer something for everyone (Dodgeball, Dinner Dance, Barefoot Golf, Chef Challenge), and by stewarding donor dollars according to LBUSD priorities in a way that also resonates with our community. Having an executive director at the helm of this tremendous effort has proven invaluable.
Accurate financial information is available at lbschoolpower.org(financials webpage), as well as details about the checks and balances regarding how our donor money is spent. We encourage you to reach out to SchoolPower (949 494-6811 or [email protected]) with any questions.
Kristin Winter, Laguna Beach
The author is the SchoolPower board president.
