Why Do We Have PTA and a Foundation?
What is the difference between the PTA and the Foundation, why do we need two parent support organizations, and what do each of the organizations do?
San Juan Elementary School enjoys the benefits of having both a PTA and Foundation. These two parent support organizations are complimentary organizations who work diligently to improve communication in the school and provide enrichment opportunities for the students.
Parent Teacher Association ("PTA")
The PTA at San Juan is supported by the state and national PTA organizations. The PTA addresses issues that are important to both parents, school administrators and teachers such as increased budgets, quality teachers, and capabilities for schools to thrive.
The PTA generates funds through its membership drive, family fun nights, donations, and Jogathon which is the largest PTA fundraiser of the year. The PTA provides funding for the school librarian (cost shared with the Foundation), class field trips, teacher supplies, Reflections Art Program, night of sharing, kinder reading Olympics, book fair and field day.
San Juan Children's Education Foundation ("SJCEF" or the "Foundation")
SJCEF was established in 2008 during the recession as a means to bridge the gap between the declining school budget and expanding school needs. The Foundation provides funding for educational enrichment programs for the school as a means to augment the Common Core with alternate learning opportunities. The Foundation is staffed entirely by parent volunteers who are passionate about creating an exceptional learning environment for our kids.
The Foundation generates funds through corporate fundraising, grants, donations, ongoing fundraising events including its 2 largest events, the Spring Festival and Noche de Gala. SJCEF provides funding for the K-3 music program, school librarian (costs shared with the PTA), ST Math computer program for K-5, school musical, musical instruments for 4th and 5th grade, outdoor science school for 5th grade, teacher grants the following: sheep hearts for dissection (5th grade), robotics and 3D printer (4th grade), field trip (3rd grade), mineral kits (2nd grade), and Apple TVs (1st grade).
Key Differences Between the PTA and Foundation
The key differences relate to the organizational structure of the organizations and how funds are used.
1) The PTA is part of a state and national PTA organization that provides the framework and operating principles that the PTA must follow. The San Juan Elementary PTA has an executive board that governs its local activities.
2) The Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that is overseen by the Foundation Board, principal, and School Site Counsel. The Foundation must comply with IRS Tax Guidelines for 501(c)(3) organizations.
3) The PTA must spend its funds on programs that benefit all students in the school. The PTA Executive Board votes on funding requests.
4) The Foundation has flexibility to spend its funds on programs and educational opportunities that may benefit only 1 teacher or class, one grade, several grades or a group of students at the school. The Foundation may also provide funding for equipment for the school. Funding requests are approved by the Foundation Board and principal. Changes in the bylaws of the Foundation must be approved by the Site Counsel.
In summary, the biggest difference between the 2 parent support groups is the way that the funds are used. PTA must spend funds on programs that benefit all students in the school versus the Foundation that has flexibility in how its funds are used.
Yes, the school does benefit by having both the PTA and Foundation that work together to support the students, school administrators and teachers. The PTA and Foundation do not compete with each other, they are complimentary organizations. If the Foundation did not exist, many of the targeted programs such as K-3 music would not be possible.
Many people volunteer for both the PTA and the Foundation. We encourage you to get involved and explore volunteer opportunities with both the PTA and Foundation. Together, we can help our students to achieve academic success and inspire them to further their education at the college level and beyond. Let's continue to work hard to make San Juan Elementary an even more amazing school!
If you have any questions or would like more information, please contact Melissa Narine Downing-
(mdowning0121@gmail.com) (310) 892-3673 , PTA President, Magally Pule (magallypule@gmail.com) (949) 813-2081 SJCEF President .
Our School
San Juan Elementary School
31642 El Camino Real
San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675
(949) 493-4533
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5th Grade OSS 2023-2024
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San Juan Children's Ed Foundation 
