Tobacco Company Donation Questioned
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School officials tonight will discuss how to respond to a situation in which an education foundation has drawn criticism for accepting a donation pledge from a tobacco company.
The Santa Ana Education Foundation is a private, nonprofit entity separate from Santa Ana Unified School District. But the foundation’s purpose is to raise money for grants and programs that benefit the district.
The foundation accepted a pledge from R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Co. to print brochures for a mariachi concert that would benefit the district. The brochures likely would carry the RJR logo.
Anti-tobacco activists have criticized the foundation for its involvement with the tobacco industry, given the harmful effects of smoking.
School officials said Board of Education Trustee Audrey Yamagata-Noji has requested an update on foundation activities.
Also tonight, school board members are scheduled to discuss whether to apply for millions of dollars in federal grant money to restructure bilingual education programs at schools across the district.
The board will meet at 7 p.m. at school district headquarters, 1601 E. Chestnut Ave.
Information: (714) 558-5501.
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