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WHAT WE DO

FREQUENTLY ASKED ?'S

  • What does the Westchester/Playa Education Foundation (WPEF) do?

  • Why do we need WPEF and the PTA?

  • Is WPEF assiciated with LAUSD?

  • How do I know the money I donate will not go back to LAUSD?

  • What about LAUSD responsibility to the schools and LAUSD?

  • Are my donations to WPEF tax exempt?

  • How does WPEF raise money?

  • How much should I give?

  • What can I do to help?

  • How is all this getting done?

  • Join WPEF and your school PTA.

  • I have further questions...

FAQS

​What does the Westchester/Playa Education Foundation do? 

The Westchester/Playa Education Foundation (WPEF) is a nonprofit group that raises money to improve our schools in Westchester, Playa del Rey and Playa Vista. State funding for education in California is inadequate for many basic programs and insufficient to fund enrichment programs. California ranks in the bottom third in the United States for funding of K-12 education-- approximately $1,000 per student below the national average. In addition, California schools have among the highest class sizes in the US. Without local funding, many programs that parents value would simply disappear.

 

WPEF works with community organizations, local and national businesses, the schools and their support groups. All are critical to the quality of education in our community. WPEF and school PTA’s work together to support quality education in Westchester, Playa del Rey and Playa Vista.

WPEF   HOW?

Why do we need WPEF and PTA/PTO?

Each organization has a distinct role:

  • WPEF’s goal is to make grants to the schools that pay for programs and educators whose positions the state of California does not pay. These grants are determined by using priorities with input from administrators, teachers, classified employees, parents and students. Our grants will help increase the quality of education in Westchester, Playa del Rey and Playa Vista. Music and arts education, physical education, libraries, technology centers, educational advisement and class size reduction are all programs WPEF is focused on.

 

  • School PTA’s bring parents and teachers together to work for the common benefit of all children. PTA’s promotes parent involvement in the school. Their primary goal is to support and enrich education. PTA funds are used to provide classroom and office supplies, instructional materials, field trips, school beautification, cultural arts and other school-specific needs. In Westchester, Playa del Rey and Playa Vista, the PTA’s work with WPEF to raise the funds to maintain programs that we believe are crucial for our students. PTA presidents provide input from each school on WPEF decisions.

Is WPEF associated with LAUSD? 

No. WPEF is a group of volunteers that work with schools, students, businesses, community representatives and the district to enhance and improve the quality of education for all students in the local public schools of Westchester, Playa del Rey, and Playa Vista.

How do I know the money I donate will not go back to LAUSD? 

The bylaws of the foundation have been written to keep our donations in our community. WPEF will not write a blank check to the District. Instead, WPEF will make a commitment to fund certain positions and programs, based on recommendations and vote of the WPEF board.

What about LAUSD responsibility to the schools and Los Angeles? 

LAUSD is a big machine, the 2nd largest school district in the country. WPEF is dedicated to the enhancement and advocacy of our 6 public schools in Westchester, Playa del Rey, and Playa Vista, plus Magnets and Charters (also public schools). WPEF can provide funds for all our schools where local PTA’s can’t and where government funding doesn’t.

How does WPEF raise money?​

Currently through donations and grant writing. WPEF will conduct an annual appeal at the beginning of the school year to raise money from parents, business and the community. WPEF is planning on hosting an annual fundraising event. WPEF solicits corporate and foundation donations directly and through matching gift programs.

How much should I give?

We ask you to consider starting at the Family level with a gift of $1,200 or more. This is $100/month for the entire year. The donor levels for WPEF are:  Sponsor ($10,000 or above) Donor ($5,000 - $9,999) Family ($1,200 - $4,999) Friend ($500 - $1,199) Contributor (up to $499).​ Volunteer opportunities exist at every school and within WPEF. Call us.

Are my donations to WPEF tax deductible?

Yes. The Westchester/Playa Education Foundation is a California charitable non-profit, corporation. It is a tax-exempt organization under Section 501(c)3 of the Internal Revenue Code. The federal tax ID number for the foundation (EIN) is 20-3035179. All donations are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law.

What can I do to help?

Give generously to WPEF.  Whatever your means and availability of time, we encourage all parents and community members to give what you can. You can also attend our monthly meetings, join one of our committees or give an in-kind donation to WPEF.

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