Who We Are

The San Carlos Education Foundation is 501(c)(3) non-profit staffed by a group of parents and community members who volunteer their time to raise money for San Carlos Public Schools. We are bound together by our sense of pragmatism, fun and outrage at the state of education funding in San Carlos Public Schools.

We are roll-up-our-sleeves-and-get-it-done types. Some of us have extensive non-profit experience. Once of us even has a degree in Non-Profit Management. (She’s a rockstar.) We believe our efforts have made — and will continue to make — a significant impact on the educational opportunities available to our children.

SCEF was created in 1982 using proceeds from San Carlos’ beloved Chickens’ Ball to ensure that there was a continuing source of funding for arts and music in our schools. At that time, our educational system received far more funding than it does today and we raised less than $30,000 a year.

The level of education funding in the state of California has changed significantly since SCEF was founded. Just in the last five years, the revenue our district receives from federal, state and local sources decreased by more than $2,300 per student. Assuming a 24-child classroom, that’s a reduction of $56,000 per classroom or close to one million dollars per school. (Sometimes, I feel like Dr. Evil when I say that, except it’s not nearly as funny.)

To add insult to injury, not all school districts are funded equally. In fact, compared to the eight other elementary districts that feed into the Sequoia Union High School District, San Carlos is second-to-last behind Redwood City.

I guess this should be cause for rejoicing. YAY! We’re no longer last. But, look at that gap between our kids and Woodside kids! OK, I’m depressed again. And, for those parents who say “Yeah, whatever, my kid’s going to Carlmont.” Carlmont is part of Sequoia Union HSD; so, you should be depressed right there with us.

Source: Ed Data Or, download our handy Excel file with the data.

SCEF works hard to bridge this gap so that San Carlos children receive a well-rounded education that rivals that of private schools and is equivalent to nearby districts, despite the incredible funding disparity that exists.

Today, SCEF raises more than $2 million to pay for critical staff and programs at all seven San Carlos public schools. Schools receive equitable grants from SCEF based on the number of children at the school site and the grades the site supports.

We raise money primarily through our Annual Giving Campaign. Our annual gala, Spring Fling, raises approximately $500,000 each year — or 25% of our total revenue.

Donate money, come party with us and buy cool stuff at our gala, or volunteer. Whatever you’re able to do is super-cool. But, we think you ought to be involved, impassioned and incensed — just like we are. It’s like my mom always said, “There’s nothing crazy likes more than company.” I guess that goes for non-profits, too.

SCEF is a registered 501(c)3 charity. Our Tax ID is 94-2842712.