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Published on 06/05/1995 All articles from this issue

High school foundation provides funding for texbooks, science equipment

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Thanks to a check from the Mountain View-Los Altos High School Foundation, students in the district will not need to share textbooks next year.

Through its phone campaign this year, the foundation collected $107,000 to continue funding the tutorial centers on both Los Altos and Mountain View high school campuses and to provide science equipment and supplies as well as new history and social studies textbooks.

"The state provides the district with $18 per student for textbooks, but one book can cost more than $50," said Don Phillips, superintendent of the Mountain View-Los Altos Union High School District. "Without the foundation, we wouldn't be able to provide each student with his or her own book. We're really fortunate to have the dedicated volunteers on the foundation working for us."

"The Foundation has been an ongoing source of support for our kids," Phillips said. "They have really allowed our curriculum to continue to be on the cutting edge."

The money, collected through a yearly phone-a-thon, goes directly to the students, said Robyn Fay, administrative director of the foundation. Past contributions have helped expand the hours at the tutorial centers, provided college counselors and helped fund a computer network and software.

"We're really buying the basics," she said "A series of textbooks is very expensive and textbooks are continually changing."

Each year, the schools provide a "wish list," Fay said. The foundation, started in 1982, includes volunteer representatives from each high school who work through the lists prioritizing and deciding which projects will help the greatest number of students every year.

The foundation presented the district a check at a special dinner held at Chef Chu's recently. Members' goal for next year is $150,000, earmarked to continue current programs and expand into more computer software, Fay said.

"We appreciate how much hard work, dedication and caring goes into all the work the foundation does," Phillips said. "They work for all our students. With their strong academic focus, they help us ensure the educational needs of all students are met."