Bake sales and car washes were fun ways to raise a little extra money for special events or uniforms for students in the “Leave-it-to-Beaver” world of public schools in the ‘70s. Today raising money for school classes, activities and programs of all kinds has become an absolute necessity, resulting in a year-round series of fundraisers, appeals and hard work by parents and school staff.
State budget cuts hit
In 1984, when state budget cuts forced Sonoma Valley High School (SVHS) to drop its athletic programs, the Boosters, a group of parents and educators that had been formed in the early ‘80s, rushed in to help fill the gap. Almost overnight nearly $20,000 was raised though their efforts and the contributions of local businesses and realtors, and the programs were able to continue.
During subsequent years, more programs were jeopardized by lack of state monies, including drama, music, forensics (debate), and even student government. The Boosters’ mission grew into an ongoing commitment to supporting a broad slate of extracurricular activities. The group reorganized in 1992, to become a 501(c)(3), all-volunteer non-profit entity.
Boosters’ Programs Reach Across Cultures
Barbara Clementino, a former nurse and lawyer, is President of the Boosters, and has volunteered for the group since 1999. “I believe that our children should go to a school that reflects the community,” said Clementino. “The Boosters have been able to develop consistent support for programs that address all the cultures that are represented at SVHS. We survey the students and encourage them to come to us with projects and ideas.” When a group of Hispanic students proposed a Ballet Folklorico dance troop and needed costumes, the Boosters provided the funds. The troop has gone on to become a continuing program.
Other students proposed having activities available during lunchtime, and the Boosters have put in place intramural sports, and soccer, hip-hop dancing, ping-pong and other activities that will engage the freshman and sophomore students and continue the goal of stimulation, healthy competition and interpersonal involvement. There is also a supervised area, the “No Name Café,” where students can study or use the Internet from 7 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Extracurricular Activities and Classes Crucial for College Career Path
Mick O’Meara, SVHS Athletic Director for 20 years and currently a chemistry and biology teacher and head football coach, has participated in the Boosters since its inception. “Though athletics was the first area to experience cuts, eventually all extracurricular activities were affected,” said O’Meara. “Without the Boosters’ funding, these enrichment programs would not exist.” O’Meara points out that far from being frivolous electives, the classes and activities that were impacted by budget cuts are precisely the kinds of programs that allow students to learn social interaction and leadership skills, develop their physical abilities and broaden their life experience.
Colleges and universities overwhelmed by applicants are looking at more than just academic excellence in judging candidates; they want students who are well-rounded, with experience in a variety of activities that indicate their character, such as student government, athletics and other pursuits such as art, music, drama and volunteer work.
Bob Kruljac, a 1960 SVHS graduate, went on to become a teacher, vice principal at the high school, and then principal, retiring in 2003. During that time, he represented the school administration on the Boosters board. Two years ago, Clementino asked him to join the Boosters, and the two have worked in tandem since. Kruljac has seen conclusively that the extracurricular programs have contributed to students’ success. “These activities are part of what makes them a whole person,” he said. “They need these experiences for college and some of them are actually admission requirements.”
Boosters Support All Students
But it isn’t just the college-bound student who benefits by the lessons learned in non-academic activities, the students that go into trades or other jobs are also learning life-long skills. “Students learn to have a good work ethic, to show up on time, and to interact well with people,” said Kruljac. “Schools are not spending the time developing a workforce that is not going to college, and the programs of the Boosters help this group equally.”
Parcel Tax on November Ballot
The scope of the Boosters support has gotten progressively broader, requiring more volunteers and finding more ways to raise money. “Parents are both working these days,” said Clementino, “making it harder for them to volunteer, and our yearly budget is nearly $300,000.” The Boosters are hoping that Measure E, a proposed parcel tax of $91 a year for six years that is on the ballot in November, will help supplement school programs not covered by the state. If approved by a two-thirds majority, the tax will be in effect for six years starting Jan. 1, 2008. The measure is endorsed by the Sonoma Valley Chamber of Commerce and Sonoma Valley Unified School District Superintendent Barbara Young has said that the tax would raise between $1.2 million and $1.4 million annually for the school district and would cost only 25 cents a day.
To contact the Sonoma Valley High School Boosters, call 707.933.4085, or write SVHS Boosters, P.O. Box 1264, Sonoma, CA 95476.
In 2005, the SVUSD Board of Trustees cut all extracurricular sports and activities for Sonoma Valley High School students. The SVHS Boosters responded to this crisis by initiating a three-year plan to raise enough money to save these programs. The Boosters have maintained all the programs that were cut, and added more programs.
2006 -2007 Boosters Activities
Activities Director
Agriculture
Ballet Folklorico
California Scholarship Federation
Drama Productions
Earth Club
Digital projector
Film Club
Forensics
“Dragon’s Tale”
Five-School Leadership Conference
Freshman Welcome
Interact Club
Leadership
Los Dragones Latinos
Marching Band/Jazz Band
Minds Magazine
No Name Cafe
Philosophy Club
Physics Olympics
Political Awareness Club
Projection screen
SAY Sponsored Challenge Day
SVHS Calendar and Handbook
Yearbook
Sports Funding
Athletic Director
Athletic Trainer
Baseball
Basketball
Cross Country
Football
Golf
Pep Squad
Soccer
Softball
Tennis
Track
Volleyball
Water Polo
Wrestling
