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Post by specialneedsmom on Jul 15, 2008 9:06:00 GMT -5
Just curious how others were feeling about donating extra funds on the registration forms this year. Everyone is feeling the bite with higher gas prices and higher everything. I have always checked this box in the past but not so sure this year. IPEF is a great organization, but I am wondering if others are feeling the same way.
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Post by Arch on Jul 15, 2008 9:48:05 GMT -5
It should be something in the regular budget, IMO.
Pass. Put the expense where it belongs.
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Post by momto4 on Jul 17, 2008 12:04:40 GMT -5
Just curious how others were feeling about donating extra funds on the registration forms this year. Everyone is feeling the bite with higher gas prices and higher everything. I have always checked this box in the past but not so sure this year. IPEF is a great organization, but I am wondering if others are feeling the same way. I always donate to IPEF and the PTAs of the schools my children attend and did this year as well since I believe in what these organizations are doing. I can't imagine holding back funds unless my family were in a dire financial situation.
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Post by WeNeed3 on Jul 17, 2008 12:30:15 GMT -5
I can't imagine punishing IPEF too because someone is mad at the 3rd HS situation. If it is truly an economic situation, that's one thing. To do it for revenge on the district is another.
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Post by justvote on Jul 17, 2008 13:11:06 GMT -5
It should be something in the regular budget, IMO. Pass. Put the expense where it belongs. I agree that it should be in the regular budget, but unfortunately it isn't. I always give, but I do think that if the funds weren't forthcoming through "donations", would they then put it in the regular budget? I guess I don't want to take that chance, so I donate.
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Post by Arch on Jul 17, 2008 13:53:06 GMT -5
It should be something in the regular budget, IMO. Pass. Put the expense where it belongs. I agree that it should be in the regular budget, but unfortunately it isn't. I always give, but I do think that if the funds weren't forthcoming through "donations", would they then put it in the regular budget? I guess I don't want to take that chance, so I donate. I'm done giving positive reinforcement to bad decisions. Pinches and squeezes initiate change and there's a chance to fix it properly.
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Post by gatormom on Jul 17, 2008 14:20:47 GMT -5
You probably should check out the IPEF's purpose. Putting what the do in the budget might be a bit of a stretch when the district is busy trying to keep up with NCLB, leaking roofs, and making sure 28,000 students get a good education. ipef.ipsd.org/index.aspThe objectives of IPEF from the district web site are: - Enhance student development
- Encourage excellence through creative teaching
- Support the District 204 curriculum -- particularly the arts, technology and sciences
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Post by Arch on Jul 17, 2008 14:36:25 GMT -5
Putting it in the budget makes it fundable no matter what and the cost is spread across the entire tax base, resulting in a far cheaper 'per person' amount.
If everyone wants to keep funding optional, then don't be upset when someone exercises their 'option'. IMO, it's dumb to have it that way (optional) and makes more sense to ensure funding is there (part of the operating budget) and not be tied to conditions outside their control.
I'm sure adding a line in an excel spreadsheet won't take too much time away from the roof crews and I highly doubt the roof fixers would be the ones making this change.
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Post by gatormom on Jul 17, 2008 14:44:45 GMT -5
Putting it in the budget makes it fundable no matter what and the cost is spread across the entire tax base, resulting in a far cheaper 'per person' amount. If everyone wants to keep funding optional, then don't be upset when someone exercises their 'option'. IMO, it's dumb to have it that way (optional) and makes more sense to ensure funding is there (part of the operating budget) and not be tied to conditions outside their control. We can agree to disagree. I do like the fact that some of these extras are paid for by those who want to pay for it. As you said arch, it is an option and I am not upset by anyone who decides not to donate. Honestly when I first moved to the district, it did bother me to have that extra donation in the registration fees and I did not bother with it. I changed after I learned more about what IPEF does in the district.
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Post by specialneedsmom on Jul 17, 2008 14:46:10 GMT -5
Lord have mercy, I was looking back on why this thread was started (by me) and it was to see if others were cutting back on donations because of the economy. As usual, things have gone in a different direction. One thing that needs to be pointed out is that IPEF is a great organization that has funded many creative projects that benefit teachers and students. I say it benefits both because creativity is awarded and it forces teachers to think outside the box. That benefits students.
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Post by gatormom on Jul 17, 2008 14:51:04 GMT -5
Lord have mercy, I was looking back on why this thread was started (by me) and it was to see if others were cutting back on donations because of the economy. As usual, things have gone in a different direction. One thing that needs to be pointed out is that IPEF is a great organization that has funded many creative projects that benefit teachers and students. I say it benefits both because creativity is awarded and it forces teachers to think outside the box. That benefits students. Very nicely said SNM. I may be cutting back in many areas but not when it comes to my children and their education.
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Post by Arch on Jul 17, 2008 14:54:44 GMT -5
Lord have mercy, I was looking back on why this thread was started (by me) and it was to see if others were cutting back on donations because of the economy. As usual, things have gone in a different direction. One thing that needs to be pointed out is that IPEF is a great organization that has funded many creative projects that benefit teachers and students. I say it benefits both because creativity is awarded and it forces teachers to think outside the box. That benefits students. I agree completely that it's does good things. What I don't agree with is that they have its funding on the chopping block each year.
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Post by mclovin on Jul 17, 2008 20:01:41 GMT -5
Does anyone know where to view the budget for IPEF? I'm interested to see how much of their funding is based on donations and would also like to see what this group has received in terms of donations in previous years.
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Post by specialneedsmom on Jul 17, 2008 20:07:45 GMT -5
I think that they are 100% funded by donations and are a separate 501C3 (??) organization, separate from the school district, much like a PTA.
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Post by momto4 on Jul 17, 2008 20:30:19 GMT -5
Does anyone know where to view the budget for IPEF? I'm interested to see how much of their funding is based on donations and would also like to see what this group has received in terms of donations in previous years. Maybe you could request that info? This is from their website - The Indian Prairie Educational Foundation (IPEF) was created in 1988 to complement and enhance the educational opportunities of students attending District 204 schools. By attracting private donations – from District businesses, parents and other residents, and staff members – the Foundation provides support for the development of program enrichments and services not normally financed with tax dollars. Now a vital part of the Indian Prairie community, the Foundation provides "educational extras" that make the difference between a very good school system and an excellent one. ==================== Since being created in 1988, the Indian Prairie Educational Foundation has: * Provided more than $2 million in educational program enrichments for District 204 students, staff and schools * Awarded $230,000 for 316 staff mini-grants which have resulted in a wide variety of classroom and other educational experiences for District 204 students * Honored more than 1,000 of our district’s top graduating high-school and middle-school students * Recognized 700 teachers and other staff members, who were nominated by the aforementioned high-school and middle-school honor students * Provided more than $220,000 in audio-visual equipment and sound/lighting improvements for District schools * Collected more than $240,000 for program enrichments through many fund-raisers, including our annual golf outing and various music/theater events open to the public\
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