In light of the state slashing education funding, a new non-profit organization has set its sight on supplementing the local school’s budget through professional fundraising methods.
To boost much-needed revenue at Malibu High School, The Shark Fund, the school’s newly formed fundraising organization, has begun a campaign to raise private donations from local residents, businesses and alumni.
The Shark Fund is made up entirely of volunteers and presently has 11 board members. The not-for-profit group plans to use professional fundraising methods employed by many charitable organizations such as a direct mail campaign. On Aug. 8, more than 6,000 packages of information and donation cards were mailed to Malibu residents.
Additional funding for Malibu High is critical. California ranks 38th in the nation in per student spending. Malibu High receives approximately $4,900 per pupil, in comparison to New Jersey, for instance, which receives about $10,350 per pupil. The immediate goal of The Shark Fund is to raise at least an additional $500 for each of the school’s 1,250 students.
The money will be spent primarily on academic programs, capital improvements, equipment, materials, school supplies, etc. For instance, the school needs 10,000 library books, computers, laboratory equipment, various academic programs, adequate bathrooms, air conditioning and ventilations systems where required, and a sports stadium.
As for who decides how the money is spent, a committee comprised of a representative of The Shark Fund, the MHS principal, the presidents of other support organizations, including PTSA, Athletic Booster Club and Arts Angels will develop a prioritized list of needs for amounts raised in excess of the annual operating budget of the PTSA.
While state funding is the primary source of funding for MHS, the Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District also receives money from the cities of Santa Monica and Malibu, with Santa Monica being the major supporter.
Malibu rallied to the cause with the passage of property tax Measure S, but that was considered an emergency “stop gap” effort that will only replace a portion of the funds the state plans to cut from the district’s budget.
The Shark Fund intends to take the school’s fundraising to the next level.
To make a donation or volunteer for The Shark Fund, call 877.205.8199 or e-mail info@TheSharkFund.org. The mailing address is The Shark Fund, P.O. Box 2050, Malibu, CA 90265.