Who We Are:
The Foundation is a 501(c)3 not-for-profit organization of concerned parents,
educators, and members of the community. We operate independently from both
the Board of Education and the Oakland School District in deciding which
projects are supported, but will consult with them during the selection
process. Funding for the Foundation comes from local businesses, community
organizations and concerned citizens who wish to support the tradition of
educational excellence in Oakland.
Why Are We Necessary?
Public education in New Jersey has experienced increased financial pressures
over the years. Our state has cut back on the amount of aid it provides for
suburban schools such as those in Oakland. In addition to these cuts, the
state imposes a limit, or cap, on the amount of taxes we can raise locally
for our schools. The state’s policies threaten our district’s efforts to
provide top quality education for Oakland’s students. By maintaining the
quality of the public education we provide, Oakland will continue to remain a
desirable and vital community well into the future.
Where the Money Goes:
Each child in the Pre K-8 district benefits from the activities, equipment
and resources made available by the Foundation. For example, from 2002 -
2003 the Foundation provided various grants in excess of $75,000 to rebuild
the science lab at Valley Middle School to meet the demands of the science
curriculum of the 21st century. Most recently, in 2007, the Foundation
provided over $27,000 to upgrade technology at Oakland’s schools. In
addition, the Foundation provided three $2,000 college scholarships to
graduating Indian Hills High School students and pledged over $1000 to
support the EIRC/NJ Cap Bullying program for Oakland's elementary schools.
Foundation resources are not replacement funds for traditional school
budgets, however they do provide for activities that may no longer be
possible through the normal budgetary process.