NEWPORT BEACH : Schools to Look Into Public Fund Raising

The Newport-Mesa Unified School District hopes to count on the public to raise money for school programs.

Assistant Supt. Thomas A. Godley said major fund-raising efforts will be undertaken “to improve programs to provide a higher level of education. We need to overcome the hurdle of financial restraints and help supplement the programs in the budget.” The step is being taken because of the state’s budget problems and the bad economy.

Elementary-level physical education, music and art programs and about a dozen junior high and high school programs were cut severely in the last few years because of financial problems. “We would love to be able to enhance the music and arts programs that were seriously cut years ago,” school board President Forrest K. Werner said.

School district officials are preparing a letter to fund-raising companies asking if such efforts are financially wise, Godley said.

Specifics will be discussed at the Oct. 27 school board meeting.

At last week’s meeting, a professional fund-raiser showed trustees about fund raising in quick, simple steps.

“If what you want to do is raise a lot of money, you need to concentrate on people,” said Frank R. Hall, who heads fund raising at St. Jude Medical Center in Fullerton. “People give most when asked by their peers.”

He said people give because it creates “warm feelings.”

He suggested that the district start sending letters asking for proposals to find out if a fund-raising department should be created. That could cost up to $20,000.

School officials are compiling a list of consulting firms to whom they will send letters. They said that some of their first targets for contributions will be successful alumni.

“I think we’re on our way,” board member Roderick H. MacMillian said.

“We are charting a new course here,” Trustee Edward H. Decker said. “This is not something that school districts are very well schooled in. But we are desperately in need of money.”