SPEF Donates Almost One Million Dollars to South Pasadena Schools

The SPEF Board and Parti Gras Committee members presenting the big check to the SPUSD School Board on Tuesday, September 12, 2023. (Photo – SPEF)

SOUTH PASADENA – ColoradoBoulevard.net:

The South Pasadena Educational Foundation (SPEF) presented a record-breaking $964,000 to South Pasadena Unified School District (SPUSD) at the school board meeting on September 12, 2023.

By News Desk

Teachers and administrators gave a standing ovation during SPEF’s “big check” presentation, which celebrated a year’s worth of fundraising efforts from the community to bolster education at South Pasadena’s five public schools.

The 2022-23 school year shattered records with the help of its signature programs, Fall Fund Drive and Parti Gras, as well as strong SPEF Summer School enrollment.

When presenting the check to the School Board on Tuesday night, SPEF’s President Emilia Aldana said:

This check is a tangible reflection of the effort and time by the SPEF Board, our Parti Gras volunteers, the dedicated investment of our circle (this community), and the passion, work, and mission of SPEF. We are pleased and proud to present this gift to our district, and so grateful for their stewardship of these funds in paving the dynamic pathways to the future for the students of our public schools.

SPEF’s donation to SPUSD included $130,000 in Teacher Direct Grants that will support a wide range of projects in individual classrooms. Additionally, $150,000 was earmarked for Major Grants, which will provide a new theater lighting system at SPHS and a high-tech Anatomage table that will allow high school biology, biomedicine, and sports medicine students to explore 3D human anatomy. The sum also includes unrestricted funds to maintain ongoing programs throughout the district.

To learn more about what SPEF does and to donate toward next year’s goal, visit spef4kids.org.