Difference between IPSF and PTAs

IPSF & PTA:  Partners in Enhancing Your Child’s Education
By Steffanie Early

Steffanie Early is President of Irvine Unified Council PTA and an ex-officio member of the IPSF board.

I am frequently asked by parents what the difference is between PTA and IPSF and why both are needed.  PTA and IPSF share a common goal—insuring excellence in our children’s education.  The organizations work closely with IUSD throughout the year to achieve that goal.  However, they differ in their structure and focus, and our community needs both organizations to insure the continued excellence of Irvine schools.

Over 12,000 members of our community have joined PTA units at their local school for the 2009-2010 school year.  By joining PTA, you are supporting not only your own school, but you are joining one of the oldest and largest child advocacy organizations in the United States.   A registered 501(c)(3) charity, PTA’s vision is to make every child’s potential a reality and the organization’s goals focus on strengthening the connection between home and school, serving as a resource for families and advocating for the education and well-being of every child.  PTA is not primarily a fundraising organization.  However, changes in educational funding have caused PTA units to take on some fundraising to support these goals, but these efforts are centered on site-specific needs such as technology purchases, art materials, library purchases, school equipment, facilities improvements and enrichment programs such as assemblies, parent education and more.

As a national organization, PTA is governed through by-laws which dictate how much fundraising may be done and how it may be achieved.   For example, PTAs may not be employers and the majority of funds raised must be spent in the year in which they are received, rather than longer-term or multi-year commitments, such as teacher and staff salaries.  Additionally, IUSD’s school board has policies that govern donations and gifts to schools that PTA units must follow.
 
IPSF is also a 501 (c) 3 organization, but with the sole purpose of providing support to the Irvine Unified School District.  Through community contributions, corporate donations and other fundraising activities, IPSF makes substantial annual grants to IUSD that support district-wide programs such as the Fine Arts, Music, and Science, Zero Period PE, Large Class Size Support, grants to teachers in the classroom, Summer Enrichment program and more.  IPSF also provides the district with funds that can be used for items such as salaries.  For example, funds from IPSF are used by the district each year to provide a minimum level of nursing and health clerk support at each school site.  Some PTAs supplement these funds for additional hours, but PTAs could not hire these important staff members—that must be done through IUSD and is made possible by IPSF.

As you all know, California’s budget situation is dire and funding to our school district has been significantly impacted. Projected cuts for this year could result in the elimination or reduction of many of the programs that make an IUSD education so exceptional.  Now more than ever, our students need your support to preserve the excellent IUSD education that has garnered numerous state and national honors, and graduated so many accomplished students.    Please support both your school’s PTA and IPSF. 

Every donation makes a difference!