1. What is the LGEF?
2. What are our vision, mission and core values?
3. How did we get started?
4. Why is there a need for private funding?
5. What is the significance of LGEF in the community?
6. What can you do to help?

What is the LGEF?

The Los Gatos Education Foundation is a non-profit 501c3 organization whose supporters include parents, neighbors, and community members with Los Gatos students, homes and businesses! Every parent who has a child enrolled in the Los Gatos Union School District (LGUSD) is a member of the LGEF and has a stake in its success.

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Our Vision, Mission and Core Values

Vision - LGEF serves as the bridge to unite LGUSD, parents, local businesses, and the community-at-large to provide a world-class educational program that produces well-rounded children with a life-long love for learning.

Mission - The mission of LGEF, as the bridge between parents, community and the District, is to raise vital funds for children of Los Gatos Union School District and to prudently determine the most effective use of those funds.

Core Values - Drive educational excellence, Lead community involvement in education, Develop well-rounded children, and Build a life-long love of learning

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Our History

Thirty years ago, California Proposition 13 dramatically changed the structure of public school funding. The LGEF was formed in 1982 by concerned parents who realized the quality of public school education had been seriously undermined by the severe cutbacks in state and federal funding.

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The Need for Private Funding

Educational funding in California is still a problem. The current funding of our public school system is inadequate to deliver the programs, teachers, and materials needed to provide our children with a quality, well-rounded education. Research shows that Los Gatos funding per student still ranks $1100 below the national average, and $200 below the California average. With state legislators currently discussing proposed budget cuts for education, this gap will increase. Thus private funding of educational programs through the LGEF will play an even more significant role in maintaining the quality of our schools.

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Did You Know?

• The LGEF supports all schools in the Los Gatos Union School District including Blossom Hill, Daves Avenue, Fisher Middle School, Lexington, and Van Meter.
• Since its formation, the LGEF has contributed over $4 million to supplement the LGUSD's limited budget.
• More than 90% of contributions made to the LGEF go directly to school programs.
• Our Board of Directors is comprised of parent representatives from each school. Board members serve a two-year term and work directly with the LGUSD to ensure that grants are awarded to programs that meet the greatest needs of our children.

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What Can You Do?

Donate to the LGEF annual fundraising campaign! Your tax-deductible donation will help LGUSD continue to stand out as an exceptional school district.

Together, parents, schools, businesses and our community can make educational excellence a reality. Please join the team of Los Gatos parents who understand the need for additional school funds, by making a tax-deductible contribution to LGEF today.

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