“Every dollar counts,” Glendale Unified Supt. Michael Escalante said. “The thought and the importance that’s placed on education is as important as the dollars that come to us.”
Private school administrators say enrollment remains steady in much of Glendale, but the economic recession has battered public schools. Glendale Unified officials are anticipating a $7-million deficit in 2011-12, and the district is operating at 2005-06 funding levels, despite $20 million in new costs.
Verdugo Woodlands, Columbus, Glenoaks, R.D. White, Fremont, Balboa, Cerritos, Keppel, Marshall, Franklin, Mountain Avenue, Edison, Franklin and Jefferson were among the elementary schools listed. Every high school but Clark Magnet High School was named in the Caruso Affiliated program, as were Wilson, Toll and Roosevelt middle schools.
Glendale Community College was also a beneficiary.
Private schools Salem Lutheran, Glendale Adventist Elementary and High School, Chamlian Armenian School, St. Mary’s Richard Tufenkian Pre-School, Holy Family Grade School, Glenfeliz Boulevard Elementary School and Glendale Montessori Elementary were also included.
“This program really encapsulates the essence of the holidays as the season for giving,” Chief Executive Rick Caruso said in a statement. “What better way to embrace the season than to do something to support the community.”
Private donations are a significant boost for the district, officials said. Lexus of Glendale spent thousands to reimburse the district’s purchase of hand sanitizer during flu season. Parent teacher associations organize numerous fundraisers throughout the year to purchase books and computers.
“Those are big dollars,” Escalante said. “We always try to focus those dollars on the extra we would not be able to do.”
The district’s educational foundation has swelled throughout the years and now contributes $200,000 a year, Escalante said.
“Our PTAs are very important,” he said. “They raise thousands of dollars, and thousands of hours of donated time.”
