Frequently Asked Questions

What is SLED?
Who are the SLED Board and its volunteers?
What schools does SLED serve?
What percentage of the money raised goes to the schools and what percent covers administrative costs?
What is the difference between PTA/PTO fundraising and SLED?
How will California’s fiscal crisis impact our schools?
Public school is supposed to be free, why do I have to pay?
Will my employer match my contribution to SLED?
Can I designate that my donation only support the school my child attends?

SLED is a volunteer-led, 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, Tax I.D. # 26-3044668. We raise funds through a broad-based community effort to support quality academic and enrichment programs and student support services for all students attending schools in the San Leandro Unified School District. SLED’s members are comprised of a board of directors, advisory board, parent school liaisons, and other volunteers. SLED is also currently supported by a full-time AmeriCorps VISTA volunteer.
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Who are the SLED Board and its volunteers?

The SLED Board of Directors is made up of volunteers just like you. Some Board members are parents of children in the San Leandro Unified School District, but Board members also come from the general community as well. All are welcome! Board members bring to SLED their wealth of professional and personal experience in a number of areas: finance, marketing, technology, event planning, strategic programming, etc. In addition to the Board of Directors, there are many SLED volunteers who give their time for projects both large and small. We have everything ranging from one- time volunteers who stuff envelopes for an hour, to parents who volunteer as Liaisons at their child's school, and everything in between!
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What schools does SLED serve?

We serve the following SLUSD schools: Garfield Elementary, James Madison Elementary, James Monroe Elementary, Jefferson Elementary, McKinley Elementary, Roosevelt Elementary, Washington Elementary, Wilson Elementary, Bancroft Middle, John Muir Middle, Lincoln Continuation High/Lighthouse Independent Study Center, and San Leandro High.
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What percentage of the money raised goes to the schools and what percent covers administrative costs?

Administrative expenses for SLED are low because volunteers do the majority of work. Current administrative and fundraising costs represent less than 20% of the total budgeted foundation funds (excluding fees to file for nonprofit status in the year of inception). The remaining 80% goes directly to the schools we serve. Groups such as Charity Navigator — a Web site that rates nonprofits — say the rule of thumb is that a nonprofit should spend at least 75 percent of its money on programs, less than 15 percent on administrative expenses and less than 10 percent on fundraising.
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What is the difference between SLED and PTA/PTO fundraising?

The PTA/PTO organization associated with your child's school raises money for individual school site needs. PTA/PTO works with your school administration to allocate funds raised for various needs such as staffing, equipment, site improvements, etc. These funding efforts are supplemental to SLED. It takes funds from these primary sources — PTA/PTO and SLED to subsidize the huge gap in state funding necessary to sustain the academic enrichment programs and student services essential to the distinguished schools our children enjoy today.
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How will California’s fiscal crisis impact our schools?

California’s education budget cuts impact academic programs, student support services, enrichment programs and teachers and staff. To learn more about the current fiscal situations our district faces, go to http://www.sanleandro.k12.ca.us/20771032619443587/site/default.asp
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Public school is supposed to be free, why do I have to pay?

You certainly do not have to pay for a public education. However, the alternative would be to settle for the state's version of a bare-bones education, which many parents believe is sub-standard in today's competitive environment. Years of chronic underfunding of public education, plus additional cuts due to the budget crisis last year, have decimated state funding levels for all school districts. Communities that care about creating and preserving high-quality, well-rounded education in their public schools have been forced to raise money locally to supplement the meager allocation from the state. The most successful school districts have robust Education Foundations and pass parcel taxes to provide a stable, long term revenue stream to bridge the gap between state funding and the high quality programs we want for all children.
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Will my employer match my contribution to SLED?

Check with your company’s Human Resources department to find out. Click here for more information.
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Can I designate that my donation support the specific school my child attends?

No. SLED was established to fund District-wide educational programs which provides academic and student support continuity. Because we work closely with the District and schools to identify funding needs - and allocate money accordingly – you can be assured that the money you contribute will directly benefit the quality of funded programs and services at your child(ren)’s school(s).
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