News

Excerpt from article posted November 23, 2005 on LeaderNotes.

Author Jonathan Swift said,  "Vision is the art of seeing what is invisible to others."Ten months ago the Brea Education Foundation hardly existed. Last night we saw how the seed of this foundation contributed to the development of the Global IT Academy.  Only an idea last January,
the Global IT Academy is now operational at Brea Olinda High School in southern California thanks to a shared vision.

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Brea Education Foundation Provides gift in memoriam of Brandon Hampson

Brea, CA -- October 10, 2005 – The Brea Education Foundation has provided a gift of $5,000 to the band department of Brea Olinda High School in memory of Brandon Hampson. Brandon passed away this past spring after courageously battling a brain tumor.  Brandon was an honor student, band member and 2004 Brea Olinda High School graduate. 

“Our Foundation received several donations on behalf of Brandon,” said Doug Green, Treasurer of the Brea Education Foundation.  “It was his family’s wish that the money be earmarked to support the BOHS band.”

A check was presented to BOHS Principal, Jerry Halpin by BEF Chairman Hal Halladay at the School Board meeting of the Brea-Olinda Unified School District on October 10, 2005.  Mr. Halladay noted, “Of the many things we try and do at the Foundation, memorializing Brandon’s life is most worthy and represents the best of Brea and what the Brea Education Foundation stands for.  He was an outstanding young man, raised in a wonderful family, educated by committed teachers and honored now by the community.”

The Brea Education Foundation was established to support the mission of the Brea Olinda Unified School District.  The Foundation is a non-profit organization committed to raising funds and developing resources to provide students the tools and materials needed in order to maintain and advance educational opportunities for a new generation of learners.  More information can be found at www.breaeducationfoundation.com.

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Brea Education Foundation Seeks Charter Donations

Brea, CA -- March 1, 2005 —The Brea Education Foundation was recently re-established to spearhead a community-wide fundraising effort to provide funds and other resources and materials to benefit students throughout the Brea Olinda Unified School District.  Brea resident Hal Halladay was selected Chairman of the group of five Brea residents serving as volunteers on the 2005 Board of Directors.  The directors are charged with rallying community and regional support to raise funds to support technology, science and arts programs.  BOUSD Superintendent Tim Harvey will serve as volunteer administrative advisor.

The mission adopted by the Board of Directors will serve as a guideline for the foundation’s charitable efforts.

The Brea Education Foundation was established to support the mission of the Brea Olinda Unified School District.  The Foundation is a non-profit organization committed to raising funds and developing resources to provide students the tools and materials needed in order to maintain and advance educational opportunities for a new generation of learners.

“We are very proud of the reputation for quality education that Brea schools have achieved,” said Chairman Halladay, “The Brea Education Foundation was reinstated to lead a new partnership among parents, neighbors, business leaders, and concerned members of the community.  Our goal is to enhance existing programs and to provide additional resources for new programs that support the mission of excellence in education.”

Brea Education Foundation Charter memberships are currently available.  Suggested minimum donations are $500 for businesses and $100 for individuals and families.  The Wells Fargo Brea Branch has agreed to provide the foundation with a bank account.  Donations can be sent to the Brea Education Foundation at P.O. Box 300 Brea, California 92822 and are tax deductible.  The Foundation also has a website at www.breaeducationfoundation.org.

Background

• The Brea Education Foundation was initially established in 1982 to promote and support the educational needs of the children of the Brea Olinda Unified School District.

District Budget Status

• BOUSD is grappling with it’s fourth year of serious budget deficits.  Over the past three years, the district has made cuts across the board totalling $3.7 million.
• Even after modest adjustments toward equalizing a twenty year-old funding formula, the State still funds BOUSD at $500,000 less than comparable districts (about $85 less per student).
• COLA (Cost of Living Allowance) money continues to be underpaid by the State according to the 2.41% rate set in statute. Over $600,000 is still due to BOUSD.
• The cost of health care, supplies and other operating expenses, in addition to salary and other benefits, continues to increase.
• Approximately 25% of district revenue derived from either State or Federal sources is strictly limited to “categorical” spending for specific, mandated programs and cannot be used to solve the General Fund deficit.
• The gap between the cost of state-mandated programs (like transportation and special education) and available funding continues to grow and impact expenditures.