Foundation Raises $600,000 to Boost School Programs
The Manhattan Beach Education Foundation has raised a record $600,000 for art, music and technology programs in addition to supplementing the district’s class-size reduction program in first and second grades, officials announced Monday.
The nonprofit organization encouraged residents and businesses to donate money for classes that have been cut over the years and to continue making elementary school classes smaller.
The 1996-97 fund-raising drive ended with a 40% increase over the previous academic year.
“People are aware of how important the class-size reduction program is and they’re aware of what it costs to run a school,” said Christie Mavredakis, a spokeswoman for the 14-year-old foundation. “They know that a few additional dollars can help the programs be successful.”
Mavredakis said $400,000 has been allocated to the district’s seven schools for art, music and technology, and $60,000 has been earmarked for class-size reduction. The remaining money has been placed in an endowment fund.
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