FAQ
Where does Broadway’s funding come from?
California public schools receive the majority of their external funding from the State budget, primarily as a portion of taxes: income, sales, and property. Therefore, school funding is impacted by the economy and is not necessarily stable year to year. LAUSD schools receive a dollar amount per student with additional amounts for low-income, English learners, and foster youth. This dollar amount is one of the lowest in the country, so Broadway, like most public schools, is heavily dependent on school fundraising to supplement the state-provided budget and ensure the best possible learning experience for our kids.
What specific funding challenges does Broadway have?
Broadway is currently classified as a neighborhood public school (neither a magnet nor a charter), so it does not receive any extra funding despite the complexity of our language immersion programs and our need for specialized teachers and TAs.
Because of Broadway’s unique dual teaching set-up, we are also particularly vulnerable to the budget implications of “Norm Day”. Norm Day is the official count day where LAUSD finalizes the enrollment count and re-allocates resources across the district accordingly. If the number of students is too low, the district will no longer pay the salaries of one or more teachers. The school must then decide whether to collapse classes and lose a teacher, or keep the teacher and pay the salary and benefits themselves. At a traditional school, this can be a juggle and sometimes ends up with some teachers teaching more than one grade at a time. But at a school like ours, the juggle is a struggle - because this would mean our teachers might be asked to teach two different grades in two different languages!
How does FOBES raise money?
The largest portion of our budget is raised through our family giving campaign - by parents and supporters like you! We also hold fundraisers such as dinners out and our annual online auction. We are assisted through grants, many of which depend on a high participation rate in our family giving campaign - this is among the reasons why our 100% family participation goal is SO important. Corporate donation matching also helps - when you make a donation, please see if your employer will match it!
If you have ideas for fundraising or would like to host a fundraiser yourself, please let us know. Note that fundraisers in FOBES' name MUST be preapproved and managed by a board liaison to assure compliance with 501(c)3 guidelines.
What is FOBES's fundraising goal?
The primary goal is to have 100% family participation, at whatever amount is meaningful to you. Every dollar amount, no matter how small or large, goes 100% towards our school community and is immensely valuable to us all - $5 to $5000 or more or anywhere in between - truly! The most important goal is EVERY single family giving what is meaningful to them.
Where can I find the budget?
The budget is posted in the glass case in the main hallway, and is also available here. Each year the budget for the following school year is voted upon in January. At least fifteen members (any Broadway parent) must be present to vote in this budget.
Where can I find the FOBES Bylaws and Code of Conduct?
The bylaws and Code of Conduct are available here.
How do I submit a request for reimbursement?
The individual seeking reimbursement is required to obtain the appropriate approval. After obtaining approval, submit the completed reimbursement form and receipts to the FOBES mailbox at school or email to reimbursements@friendsofbroadwayschool.org.