By Mary Anna Noveck
I know it may be discouraging for some parents who know full well that making a donation to their child's school means that some of the money will be distributed to other schools in the name of equity. I am a teacher at one of those schools that would benefit from this proposal. I see a group of caring and active PTA members and families who just can’t compete with the money north of (Wilshire) Boulevard. I don't have a classroom aide at my Title I school. However, I know parent donations supplement aides, art teachers, science specialists, etc. at other school sites in the district. Don’t get me wrong, I wouldn’t want to teach anywhere else. It’s just that our students don’t have the same opportunities and programs that others do. Our kids are all members of the Santa Monica/Malibu community too. Shouldn’t we, as a community, help all children succeed? Shouldn’t all children have the opportunity to have supplementary programs, classroom supplies and aide support?
Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on December 15, 2003. Read the original PDF.