Building a foundation for education

As California’s economic outlook continues to look bleak and local school districts continue to face cuts to their budget each year, the Plumas Lake community has decided to try and do something about it.

With the verbal support from the Plumas Lake Elementary School Board, a group of community parents is working towards the establishment of an educational foundation.

“We see where the shortfalls are,” said Al Kosh, interim president of the Plumas Lake Education Foundation design Team. “Districts can no longer afford certain things and the kids would miss out on these enrichments.”

The goal of the foundation is two-fold – to raise money for local education and to also offer the students enrichment programs no longer offered during the academic day. The design team looked at several examples of other districts also moving toward a foundation model to help fill the gaps and felt its establishment is timely for the local area and its students.

The classes, which will run June 14 – 25, are being taught partially by volunteers and partially by teachers from the district.

“We feel like this is a win-win for everyone,” said Kosh.

The foundation board didn't have enough participation to offer summer programs but is hopeful to begin the program during the fall.

“Unfortunately without public education funded properly we have to rely on parents and the community to help us fill in the gaps,” said Kosh.

The foundation is planning to continue its private fundraising throughout the year with community events and solicitations. It is also working on seeking out private grants and business support to enhance their offerings to students and families.

“We are going after as much funding as we can to help support education,” said Kosh. “Every single person I have talked to about this issue is excited to help.”

The board believes the foundation provides a platform for parents, the community and businesses to get involved and hopes to put a positive light on a bleak budget outlook for the school district.

The foundation continues to reach out to individuals who would like to get involved.

For more information on the foundation or to find out how you can get involved, e-mail Al Kosh at afkosh@comcast.net or Merrilee Leinweber at Merrilee.leinweber@gmail.com for more information.

Plumas Lake Life correspondent Michele Perrault can be reached at 763-3380 or e-mail her at mperrault@plumaslakelife.com