Parker School Classroom Campaign—Frequently Asked Questions

 

1. How much is the campaign trying to raise?

The campaign is trying to raise $1,000,000, which will cover approximately half the costs of the new classroom addition. The remainder will be paid by reserve funds that the school has carefully saved over the past twelve years.

2. Parker is a public school—why do we need to raise private funds?

Charter schools are not eligible for either of the funding sources through which all other Massachusetts public schools pay for their buildings: grants from the state’s School Building Assistance Program and Proposition 2 ½ debt exclusion overrides. A number of years ago charter schools did begin receiving an annual allotment called facilities funding, but this change was part of a package of charter school reforms that were revenue neutral—in other words, we received no additional money.

 

3. How much should I donate?

One of Parker’s great strengths is the diversity of its families, and an obvious part of that diversity is financial. All we are asking is that every Parker family—both current parents and alumni parents—give as generously as they can. Every gift counts. Every gift matters. For this effort to succeed we will need a number donations as large as $10,000 and $25,000 and $50,000, and we will need many more gifts in amounts significantly smaller than this. Members of the Board of Trustees—parents and alumni parents just like you—have contributed 10 to 30 times what they’ve ever given to anything before, because of their gratitude to the school for how it’s helped their children, because of the importance of this effort to the long term sustainability of the school, because they know we won’t see an opportunity like this again. We estimate that if the average gift is $1500--$50 a month for a little under three years—then we will meet our target. Some families will have the ability to give more than this, and for others this amount will simply not be possible, but we know that if we each do our part, then together we will be able to attain this significant milestone for Parker.

 

4. When should I donate?

Now. It is critical that we have as many pledges and gifts in by June 2007 as possible in order for us to proceed with this project.

 

5. To whom do I make out my check?

The check should be made out to The Sizer Foundation, Inc. and mailed to The Parker Classroom Campaign, 49 Antietam Street, Devens, MA, 01434, attn: Becka Kane.

 

6. What is the Sizer Foundation?

The Sizer Foundation is a public charity, different than the Parker Essential Fund. The Sizer Foundation’s purpose is to ensure the long term sustainability of the Parker School and Sizer Teachers Center by providing facilities and direct operating budget support. The Sizer Foundation raises money through direct contributions from individuals, corporations, and foundations.

 

7. Is my gift tax deductible?

Yes. The Sizer Foundation is a 501(c)(3) organization which the IRS has determined to be tax exempt. All contributions to the Sizer Foundation are fully tax deductible.

 

8. Can I make a pledge over two or three years?

Yes, if pledging over two or three years (through June 2010) helps you increase the size of your gift, then we are more than happy to have you do so. If it is easier for you to pay your gift in monthly installments, we can arrange for that as well.

 

9. Can I make a gift of stock or securities?

Yes. Contact Becka Kane (rkane@parker.org or 978-772-3293) to arrange this, or have your broker do it for you.

 

10. How can I help?

The most important first step is to make your own contribution. Then think of others whom you might ask for support. Grandparents? The company you work for? We all need to be as creative and resourceful as possible to reach our goal.