Financial Highlights

Financial Highlights

Overview

Simply put, our children would not be educated adequately without private funding. In the 1970s, changes in California property tax laws cut deeply into school funding, and the budget situation is no better today. If not for private contributions, our children would not receive a well-rounded education, which includes programs in music, art, poetry, drama, and dance. In addition, the need for classroom and library aide support and technology continues to rise while the state continues to cut education funding. Private funds make up that difference. Our 2009-2010 budget of $1.9 million is outlined below and our 2010-2011 budget will be presented to the Board in June 2010.

Revenue

Kiddo!’s Annual Giving Campaign which kicks off with Donation Day each Spring funds programs for the upcoming school year, and generates the vast majority of the revenues needed to fund Kiddo! programs. 80% of Kiddo! revenue is donated primarily by generous families in the Mill Valley School District and community. Our Business Partnership Program generates another 8% of Kiddo! revenue through the support of local community and parent owned businesses. Kiddo!’s Endowment fund has grown to roughly $3.6 million and in the 2009-2010 school year and 4% of the rolling 3-year closing fund balance will be directed to current program, representing 7% of Kiddo! revenues. Shop-for-Kids (eScrip and other shopping programs) costs donors nothing and generates another 4% of Kiddo revenues. Remaining revenues are generated by special events and other sources. In addition, Kiddo! raises additional funds for the Endowment from special Endowment designated events and contributions which are not reflected in these figures.

Expenses

All of the Mill Valley School District’s art, music, drama, dance and poetry teachers are paid through Kiddo! contributions. This includes 11 art teachers and 6 music teachers, as well as visiting dance, poetry, and drama specialists. In addition, Kiddo! is funding over $250,000 in classroom and library aides. All teachers and specialists work closely with classroom teachers to reinforce core academic curriculum and to make school an experience that lasts a lifetime. Kiddo! works hard to ensure that the maximum percentage of funds raised go directly into programs for kids. In 2009-2010, 89% of expenses are for program expenses. Funding for art and music programs is nearly $1.2 million, 61% of expenses. Classroom and library aides account for 13% of Kiddo!’s expenses, technology represents 8%, and together drama, poetry, dance and mini-grants account for an additional 6%. 8% of our expenses fund our operating costs which include our dedicated staff, insurance, office supplies & equipment, only 3% is spent on fundraising costs (printing, postage, and such) because of the generosity of so many talented and artistic members of our community that donate their time.

2009-2010 Kiddo Budget