Financial support and contributions lag in weak economy
San Juan Preschool, which for 36 years has offered free
education to children from low-income families throughout San
Benito County, is finding that the donations that used to help
cover funding gaps not covered by state aid are drying up. And some
parents are concerned that the school might even close.
Financial support and contributions lag in weak economy
San Juan Preschool, which for 36 years has offered free education to children from low-income families throughout San Benito County, is finding that the donations that used to help cover funding gaps not covered by state aid are drying up. And some parents are concerned that the school might even close.
The impact of tough fiscal times and threats of continued state budget cuts on education often focuses on the college, high school and elementary school levels. But the economic downturn is having repercussions all the way down to preschools.
“Fundraising is the fundamental way to get the additional things we need for our school,” said Veronica Valdez, a member of the Third Street school’s board of directors. “But the way things are now, we’re not fundraising like we would like to. The economy is definitely hurting.”
The nonprofit preschool receives state funding that allows the school to offer a five-day-per-week program at no cost to low-income families. That financial aid, which also offers a free meal to up to 24 children in the program and covers teachers’ salaries, does not cover other expenses – such as rent on the school house, classroom supplies and playground equipment.
With a $15,000 deficit looming, parents are worried that without an upswing in donations, the preschool will close.
“Part of our fundraising effort is having parents go to their families and friends, but it’s tough when you go to your family now and they’re in the same financial situation that you are,” said Emmanuel Marchica, whose 3-year-old son attends San Juan Preschool.
“Here we are asking for a donation, but they’re losing their home,” said Valdez, who has a 4-year-old child at the school.
Miranda Marchica, another member of the school’s board of directors, said the board has recently pursued grant-writing to seek help from corporations.
“The United Way gave us a $2,500 grant; we’re starting candy sales this month; last month we sold Spinner cards,” she said. “We try to do something different each month.”
Valdez said San Juan-based Earthbound Farms previously has donated fresh fruit to the school in the form of 100-packs of apples and raisins that the children can eat as snacks. A break-dance crew from Sand City even donated 10 percent of its proceeds from one of its shows to the school.
“We’re all parents and we’re all making the best effort we can to keep the school open and to close some of the deficit we have from years past,” said Miranda Marchica. “If we don’t close some of that gap this year then things will not be going well at all.”
Marchica said that the landlord who owns the school’s building has worked with the school when money has been tight.
“When we’re behind on rent he is very, very patient,” she said. One challenge, however, is that the school also pays rent on the property during the summer months, when the school is closed and no fundraising is taking place.
Valdez, has gone so far as to ask local businesses to donate their recyclable goods to the school.
To stave off the possibility of closure, Valdez has sent flyers to a number of area businesses seeking donations in any amount.
“In this difficult economic time, put money where it matters most: invest today in the future of your local children,” the flyer reads.
Evelia Arjona, the lead teacher and director of San Juan Preschool, said this is the toughest budget year that the school has faced in her nine years on the job.
“Along with budget cuts parents can’t do a lot to help out money-wise,” she said. “Other than that, they help out however they can. Before, we used to get donations. Right now, the money is not there because of the economy.”
Despite the budget woes, parents say students at San Juan Preschool have been shielded from the tough times by the efforts of Arjona and her two classroom aides.
“The great thing about the school is when you see the kids in the classroom setting or you see them outside playing and they are all really well behaved, which to me says something about the teachers,” Marchica said. “The kids are interacting really well, even though some may speak Spanish primarily and others only speak English.”
As fundraising efforts continue, parents remain optimistic that the school’s financial picture will improve.
“All the parents give what they can,” Marchica said. “But while we try to give what we can we don’t have that much to give.”
HOW YOU CAN HELP
Tax-deductible donations to the nonprofit San Juan Preschool can be made in care of the school and sent to P.O. Box 616, San Juan Bautista, 95045. For more information on volunteer opportunities, call Marta Gorelik at 623-4913 or Evelia Arjona at 623-4032.
