special promotional section
Learning a Lot
School district foundations increase program
opportunities for public education in Placer Valley
by Christina Kiefer
P
lacer County has consistently
ranked as one of the highest per-
forming counties in California for
K-12 public education, contributing to its
desirability for families to live in the area.
Topping both state and national rankings
for student assessment scores and col-
lege and career readiness, Placer County
has dubbed its institutions with a “gold in
education” standard.
“We focus on providing first-class
instruction for students in the classroom,
accessing meaningful and high-quality
professional development for staff, ensur-
ing there are opportunities for interven-
tions for students who may be struggling
and promoting a positive school culture so
that learning can take place,” says Gayle
Garbolino-Mojica, Placer County Office of
Education superintendent.
Roger Stock, Rocklin Unified School
District’s superintendent, believes the
region’s success is partly due to identify-
ing opportunities to secure funding above
and beyond what is provided by the state.
“We founded the Rocklin Educational
Excellence Foundation in 2008, which has
provided a way to support, enhance and
accelerate learning opportunities for all of
our students across the district,” he says.
Other Placer Valley cities also have
independent school district foundations
to raise funds to support educational
programs: Lincoln has the Western Placer
Education Foundation, founded in 1998,
and Roseville has the Roseville City School
District Foundation, established in 2005.
The Eureka School Foundation, which has
been around for more than 20 years, sup-
ports students in the Eureka Union School
District based in Granite Bay, but three of
its seven schools are located in Roseville.
Run by volunteers — often educators,
parents and other community leaders —
these groups operate independently from
Parent Teacher Clubs and the schools.
The foundations raise money with annual
gala events, and they also receive con-
tributions from businesses, families and
other community members.
In 2017, REEF provided more than
200 new Chromebooks for students,
and in 2019, Ken Broadway, REEF board
secretary, says it raised $75,000 for
art; wellness; and science, technology,
engineering and math programs. Anne
Chacon, RCSD Foundation president, says
in 2016, the foundation gave $90,000
for supplies to restart the district’s music
program and has donated $25,000 to the
program each year since.
The foundations’ role is to augment
and facilitate the efforts of teachers,
parents and the community in promoting
student success. “We have incredible
teachers who are so passionate about
guiding students and giving them the tools
they need to succeed — they really make
the biggest difference to children, now and
into their futures,” says Chacon.
Christina Kiefer is a communications consul-
tant and freelance writer in Sacramento who
specializes in public relations, copywriting,
content marketing and strategy. She is online
at christinakiefer.com.
March 2020 | comstocksmag.com
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