FAQ on MVEF
MVEF is a 501(c)3 non-profit corporation led by parent volunteers founded in 1984 to maintain and enhance the quality of academics and enrichment in the 9 elementary and 2 middle schools in the Mountain View Whisman School District (MVWSD). Contributions are solicited from individuals, businesses and other foundations for the benefit of all MVWSD students. Its mission is to collaborate with the community to fund and nurture innovative and essential programs that foster a well-rounded education.
Who runs MVEF?
MVEF is managed by a volunteer Board of Directors, parents of students, community members, plus two part-time Executive Directors.
What does MVEF fund?
In all MVWSD Elementary Schools, MVEF funds:
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Art and music instruction (delivered by CSMA instructors) plus performances and art shows for TK-5 students.
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Hands-on environmental science enrichment for TK-5 students (Delivered by Living Classroom, Environmental Volunteers plus other partners)
In both MVWSD Middle Schools, MVEF funds:
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Reduced class sizes (by an average of 25%) for English Language Arts (ELA) providing students more personalized attention and elective opportunities
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After-school sports (coaches, referees, bus transportation to competitive games)
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Hands-on environmental science enrichment for 6 grade students
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Extra funding for music/performing arts, and other clubs and activities
What is PTA/PACT?
The Parent-Teacher Association (PTA) & PACT Foundation at Stevenson are formal organizations composed of parents, teachers, and staff that are intended to facilitate parental participation in a school.
PTA/PACTSs typically organize events, fundraisers, and other activities to support the school and enhance the educational experience of students.
What does PTA/PACT fund?
PTA/PACT (PACT at Stevenson) is 100% volunteer-led and volunteer-run. Members plan the programs they want to deliver during that school year, vote to approve each year's budget, fundraise, and execute the planned programs they are able to fund.
PTA fundraising results typically correlate with community demographics.
PTAs/PACT are not allowed to directly compensate school employees but MVEF can and does.
PTAs/PACT plan and deliver programs that are accessible to all students at a single school site, like:
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Support for students and teachers
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Events (Teacher & Staff appreciation, Graduation/Promotion celebrations, etc.)
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Supplemental educational materials for special projects
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Assemblies & Field Trips
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Extracurricular activities
...and more!
See your school's PTA/PACT leaders for more info.
How do PTA/PACT and MVEF work together?
PTA/PACT is hyper-local and MVEF meets both school and district-wide needs. PTA/PACT and MVEF often volunteer for and donate to both, assisting both organizations.Please look here for more information.
What happens if MVEF does not reach its fundraising goals?
Cuts would be inevitable, and the impact to existing programs would be felt immediately in art & music programs, environmental science programs including field trips, reduced English classes, sports, clubs & other activities.
Why is an educational foundation necessary to fund public schools?
As a "basic aid" CA school district, MVWSD’s general operations are funded primarily by local property taxes (not state funding). Commercial property values don't increase if properties don't change owners (CA Prop 13). Therefore, districts like MVWSD with more commercial rental properties get less property tax revenue per housing unit, which means less revenue per student. The district's dominant revenue source has not been keeping pace with costs driven up by inflation, especially in this high cost area. This negatively impacts our students' education.
Private contributions to educational foundations therefore can and do provide supplemental funding to close the gap between public funding and the actual cost of a well-rounded education in many CA public school districts.
What is a "basic aid" district and why does it matter at my school?
While most California school districts receive general-purpose funds through a mixture of local property taxes and state aid, some districts receive funding exclusively from revenue generated by property tax. These school districts are known as “basic aid” or “community funded” districts.
MVWSD is designated as a “basic aid” district, and the cap in funding from Prop 13 limits the district’s capacity to provide adequate academic resources and support to students compared to other school districts with a more diverse funding pool.
Funds from property taxes and the government only address the basic three R's (reading, writing and arithmetic) and fail to provide students with an enriching, well rounded education. That's why MVEF is important and matters for MVWSD!
What is Prop 13?
In 1978, California voters passed the People’s Initiative to Limit Property Taxation, commonly known as Proposition 13 (Prop 13), limiting annual property tax to 1% of the property’s assessed value which cannot increase more than 2% per year.
Your Prop 13 value is not the same as the market value. Suppose you purchased a home for $1 million 5 years ago and its market value increased 20% to $1.2 million today. Then your Prop 13 value can only increase a maximum of 2% per year or, in this case, a maximum assessed tax of $1,104,080.80. This changes if you sell your home as it will be then reassessed at market value.
How is MVEF different from PTA/PACT?
MVEF is a volunteer-driven charitable foundation with the goal to raise over $1.2M from community organizations and families. MVEF funding provides essential enrichment programs that prepare all students in MVWSD for high school and beyond. How MVEF funding is used is determined through both community and district input. Unlike PTA funding, MVEF funds can be used to compensate school teachers and staff, and provide excellent programs across all schools and all grades.
How much should I donate to MVEF?
This year's goal is to raise over $1.2M from household donations plus corporate matching and grants. The "requested amount" (ask) for MVEF is $1,100 per student per year. This adjustment comes after six years without an increase and is necessary to continue providing the quality education and resources that our students deserve. Several factors have contributed to this decision: inflation, rising program costs, higher operational costs and the increasing pressure with reduced grants, especially in the corporate environment.
Why does MVEF fund music, arts, and sports programs rather than academic programs?
In consultation with parents, teachers and administrators, music and art, reduced English Language Arts classes, hands-on-science and afterschool sports (team work) consistently rank as some of the highest priorities for supplemental funding. These programs are part of a well-rounded education. MVEF strongly believes in providing programs that support the whole child and programs that would not be available to all children without MVEF.
Are donations tax-deductible?
Yes! MVEF is a 501(c)(3) non-profit which make your contributions to MVEF tax-deductible.
How does MVEF compare to neighboring educational foundations?
MVWSD is one of the most socio-economically diverse school districts in Santa Clara County. Compared with neighboring districts, Mountain View also serves a higher number of students living in high-density rental housing and a higher percentage of low-income families compared to neighboring districts. Despite these challenges, MVEF has doubled the amount raised for MVWSD in the past decade.
How does MVEF decide on new programs to fund?
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If additional funds are raised, MVEF considers input from donors, board members, and district staff to identify new areas of support.
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MVEF’s mission is to fund programs essential for a well-rounded education.
How can I learn more or get involved with MVEF?
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Join the MVEF Board or attend one of its events to understand its processes and initiatives. MVEF is a volunteer-led organization and welcomes participation from parents.
Please take a look at our flyer.
FAQ on District Budget Spending
Can donations made to the district be misused or spent on "unnecessary" expenditures?
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Donations made to MVEF (Mountain View Educational Foundation) are restricted funds, meaning they are designated for specific district programs like CSMA arts and music, Living Classroom instruction, and two middle school ELA teachers.
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MVEF does not manage the MVWSD budget and ensures funds are used only for pre-approved programs.
Who manages the MVWSD budget?
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The MVWSD budget is managed by district administration and the Board of Trustees, with oversight mechanisms to ensure accountability and transparency.
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More information can be found at MVWSD Budget and Bonds.
Is MVEF responsible if the district is accused of misspending?
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No, MVEF operates independently from MVWSD.
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MVEF collects funds for specific programs and has no influence over general district spending or budgeting.
Can MVEF influence district spending?
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No, MVEF is a parent-led fundraising non-profit that does not manage or influence MVWSD's budget decisions.
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It provides funding only for pre-approved programs and collaborates with donors, board members, and district staff to allocate any surplus funds to new or different areas of need.
PROP 28 FAQ
What is Prop 28?
Proposition 28, passed in November 2022, provides dedicated funding for arts and music education in California public schools. These funds are meant to enhance, not replace, existing arts programs.
What can Prop 28 funds be used for?
Prop 28 funds are allocated as follows:
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80%: For hiring arts teachers and staff.
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20%: For supplies, training, and contracts with external providers.
Can Prop 28 funds replace MVEF-funded programs?
No, Prop 28 funds cannot be used to offset or replace current funding commitments. MVEF contributions remain essential to maintain existing arts and music programs.
How much does MVWSD receive from Prop 28?
MVWSD receives $625,000 annually. The allocation is based on factors such as total student enrollment and Free and Reduced-Price Meal participation.
Who decides how Prop 28 funds are used?
Each school determines its allocation and spending plan in coordination with the district. Planning ensures the funds address local needs effectively.
Can Prop 28 funds be used for contracted services like CSMA?
Yes, but only up to 20% of the Prop 28 budget can go toward contracted services. The law requires that 80% be spent on district-hired staff.
Can Prop 28 funds be used for after-school or lunchtime programs?
Yes, the district anticipates using Prop 28 funds to hire arts teachers for after-school programs and lunchtime activities, complementing existing daytime programs.
When will new Prop 28-funded programs start?
Programs funded by Prop 28 will roll out gradually, depending on school planning and the availability of arts teachers.
How can I find out how funds are spent?
Schools must report Prop 28 spending to ensure transparency and compliance. Your school principal can provide specific details about your school’s allocation and spending.
How is funding allocated at the school level?
For example, a school with a $45,000 annual allocation might use:
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80% ($36,000) for hiring staff (e.g., an arts teacher working 8–12 hours a week).
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20% ($9,000) for supplies, training, or equipment (e.g., musical instruments, laptops, theater materials, or teacher training).
What is the long-term impact of Prop 28?
Prop 28 aims to increase access to arts and music education across all schools, especially for underserved communities. It addresses gaps in resources while ensuring students receive a comprehensive education.
Please take a look at our flyer.