The secret world behind school fundraisers and turning kids into salespeople

In a revealing article published on February 28, 2024, by NPR, Jess Jiang, Sarah Gonzalez, and Sam Yellowhorse Kesler delve into the complex and often overlooked world of school fundraisers, highlighting the ethical and logistical issues that arise when students are turned into salespeople to fund school activities. At the heart of the story is Maria Lares, a dedicated teacher and PTA member at Villacorta Elementary School in La Puente, California, who views the PTA's role as vital in providing students with enriching experiences like field trips and special events that the school budget cannot cover.

Illustration by Michael Keany/AI

The article underscores the financial disparities faced by schools across the United States, particularly in economically disadvantaged areas where families struggle to make ends meet. Despite receiving $4.5 million annually from various sources, Villacorta Elementary, like many public schools, finds the majority of its budget consumed by salaries, benefits, and operational costs, leaving a paltry sum for extracurricular activities or educational trips. This financial reality forces schools to rely heavily on PTA-driven fundraisers to offer students experiences beyond the classroom walls.

The narrative critically examines the partnership between schools and fundraising companies, which often take a significant portion of the proceeds, leaving schools with a smaller share of the revenue. This arrangement raises questions about the effectiveness and fairness of such fundraisers, as well as the burden they place on students, teachers, and families to continuously generate funds for basic educational experiences.

Moreover, the article explores the broader implications of relying on fundraisers for educational funding, pointing out the potential to change how school budgets are allocated to prioritize activities like field trips. Experts argue that with careful planning, schools could feasibly include these enriching experiences in their official budgets without resorting to external fundraising. However, the choice often comes down to prioritizing academic needs over enrichment activities, leaving schools in a perpetual cycle of fundraising.

The piece concludes with a look at the ongoing fundraising efforts at Villacorta Elementary, as the school aims to meet its $20,000 goal to ensure all students can participate in field trips. The story of Maria Lares and her school serves as a poignant reminder of the challenges faced by educators and communities in providing a well-rounded education amid budgetary constraints.

This article sheds light on the hidden costs of public education in America, revealing the lengths to which teachers, parents, and students go to make school a memorable and engaging experience for all. It calls into question the sustainability of such fundraising efforts and the need for a more equitable approach to funding school activities, ensuring all students have access to educational opportunities that extend beyond the classroom.

Original article

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Prepared with the assistance of AI software

OpenAI. (2024). ChatGPT (4) [Large language model]. https://chat.openai.com