Press Releases

SCOTTS VALLEY EDUCATIONAL FOUNDATION GRANTS $100,000 TO SCOTTS VALLEY UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT FOR 2022/2023 ACADEMIC YEAR


Funds to support training and consultative instructional and behavioral services to staff serving students in general education, at-risk youth, and students with disabilities across Brook Knoll and Vine Hill Elementary, Scotts Valley Middle School and Scotts Valley High School.

SCOTTS VALLEY, CA, November 8, 2022 —Today, the Scotts Valley Educational Foundation (SVEF) announced that it will provide a $100,000 grant to the Scotts Valley Unified School District (SVUSD) for the 2022/2023 school year. The funds will be matched by the District in order to provide two Behavioral Intervention Specialists to support students and staff district-wide. The Behavioral Intervention Specialists will provide in-service and on-site training to staff on implementation of instructional and behavioral management strategies to help teachers and staff better support our students.

Each year SVEF works with leadership at the district to identify the greatest needs for the upcoming school year.  A recent study conducted by the National Center for Educational Statistics (NCES) found that “eighty-seven percent of public schools reported that COVID-19 pandemic has negatively impacted student socio-emotional development.”  As we emerge from the COVID-19 pandemic the schools are finding this to be directionally true in the Scotts Valley Unified School District where we are seeing an uptick in challenges facing our educators.  This incremental resource for our schools will be a support to our students as well as the wonderful teachers and faculty of the district.

Developing a sound foundation to support mental health and wellness of students in the district is more important than ever and the Scotts Valley Educational Foundation is pleased to be able to help contribute our support to this important cause.

About the Scotts Valley Unified School District
SVUSD’s mission is to provide each student with quality educational and social opportunities needed to thrive in a modern world. In March 2020, SVUSD ranked No.13 out of the top 100 school districts in California according to research by Backgroundchecks.org. Comprising Brook Knoll and Vine Hill Elementary, Scotts Valley Middle School and Scotts Valley High School, SVUSD boasts the highest student test scores in Santa Cruz County as well as the highest rate of students graduating and moving on to college at a 95 percent rate. For the last four years, SVUSD students have outperformed California state averages in both Mathematics and English Language Arts. For more information, please visit www.scottsvalleyusd.org.

About the Scotts Valley Educational Foundation
Founded in 1983, the Scotts Valley Educational Foundation (SVEF) provides funding for programs and education materials to enhance the solid academic curriculum and maintain the high quality of education in the Scotts Valley Unified School District (SVUSD). SVEF has donated more than $1,000,000 to support the needs of children from kindergarten through high school graduation and beyond. SVEF is a non-profit, all volunteer organization whose mission is to raise funds for direct donation and support efforts that positively impact the educational experience of all students in the Scotts Valley Unified School District. For more information and to donate, visit www.svef.net and follow SVEF on Facebook and on Instagram.

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Link to NCES study (if needed):  https://nces.ed.gov/whatsnew/press_releases/07_06_2022.asp

SCOTTS VALLEY EDUCATIONAL FOUNDATION ENDORSES MEASURE A BOND ON THE NOVEMBER BALLOT


Funds to provide state-mandated health, safety and technology improvements to facilities at Brook Knoll and Vine Hill Elementaries and Scotts Valley High School 

SCOTTS VALLEY, Ca, September 23, 2020 — Today, the Scotts Valley Educational Foundation (SVEF) announced its endorsement of “Measure A,” a new bond initiative for the Scotts Valley Unified School District on the November ballot. “Measure A’s” purpose is to improve the quality of education in the district by providing the funds to make necessary health, safety, and ventilation improvements mandated by the state. The improvements include repairing or replacing leaky roofs and deteriorating plumbing and sewer systems, wiring and electrical systems, security and restroom improvements as well as technology upgrades needed in classrooms and for distance and hybrid learning. The Bond requires a 55 percent “yes” vote to pass. If the bond measure does not pass, the funds will come from the District’s general fund which could result in teacher and staff layoffs and the elimination of academic programs.

“With the community’s trust and support, the District successfully completed Scotts Valley Middle School but now must address the long-deferred needs of 20-year-old Scotts Valley High School and Vine Hill and Brook Knoll Elementary which are much older,” said Roger Snyder, Board President for Scotts Valley Unified School District. “These three campuses need COVID-19-related and other significant infrastructure and safety updates that will directly impact the education and well-being of students and staff. When our students and staff return to our schools we must be prepared to meet deferred maintenance needs and new challenges — these funds will allow us to do that.”

“Quality schools improve student achievement, increase property values, prepare children for a productive future and increase community safety and that’s why the Scotts Valley Educational Foundation endorses Measure A and we urge you to support it too,” said Robert Aldana, president of SVEF. “Scotts Valley’s amazing teachers, staff and students must have safe and functional facilities to maintain the high educational standards we have achieved in our district.”

“Measure A” addresses only the essentials schools need, prioritized from the district’s facilities master plan. Spending will be reviewed by an independent citizens’ oversight committee and audited annually to ensure compliance with the measure’s provisions. Funds can be spent only on facilities, not on salaries. For more information about “Measure A,” please visit www.sossv.net.

About the Scotts Valley Unified School District
SVUSD’s mission is to provide each student with quality educational and social opportunities needed to thrive in a modern world. In March 2020, SVUSD ranked No.13 out of the top 100 school districts in California according to research by Backgroundchecks.org. Comprising Brook Knoll and Vine Hill Elementary, Scotts Valley Middle School and Scotts Valley High School, SVUSD boasts the highest student test scores in Santa Cruz County as well as the highest rate of students graduating and moving on to college at a 95 percent rate. For the last four years, SVUSD students have significantly outperformed California state averages in both Mathematics and English Language Arts. For more information, please visit www.scottsvalleyusd.org.

About the Scotts Valley Educational Foundation
Founded in 1983, the Scotts Valley Educational Foundation (SVEF) provides funding for programs and education materials to enhance the solid academic curriculum and maintain the high quality of education in the Scotts Valley Unified School District (SVUSD). SVEF has donated more than $1,000,000 to support the needs of children from kindergarten through high school graduation and beyond. SVEF is a non-profit, all volunteer organization whose mission is to raise funds for direct donation and support efforts that positively impact the educational experience of all students in the Scotts Valley Unified School District. For more information and to donate, visit www.svef.net and follow SVEF on Facebook and on Instagram.

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SVEF Press Contact:
Jaime Cottini, Director of Communications
[email protected] or 415-747-1605

 

SCOTTS VALLEY EDUCATIONAL FOUNDATION GRANTS $60,000 TO SCOTTS VALLEY UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT FOR 2020/2021 ACADEMIC YEAR


Funds to support academic programs in highest need across Brook Knoll and Vine HIll Elementary, Scotts Valley Middle School and Scotts Valley High School

SCOTTS VALLEY, CA, May 27, 2020 —Today, the Scotts Valley Educational Foundation (SVEF) announced that it will provide a $60,000 grant to the Scotts Valley Unified School District (SVUSD) for the 2020/2021 school year. The funds will be used to support programs with the highest need for the academic year, once more information is known about how schools will operate amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. Programs supported include, but, are not limited to; funding librarians, supplying needed technology and counseling services for all four schools in the district.

Each year SVEF works with leadership at the district to identify the greatest academic needs for the upcoming school year and provides funding for programs that help maintain a high level of education. With the current COVID-19 pandemic affecting economies all around the world and public safety at the top of everyone’s mind, local educators are working around the clock to create plans that are in accordance with local and state health guidelines and best serve the needs of local children. With the crisis constantly evolving and budget cuts expected, educators have no choice but to remain flexible until more is known.

“There are a lot of unanswered questions right now with regard to what school will look like for the upcoming academic year,” said Tanya Krause, Superintendent of Scotts Valley Unified School District. “As we work through all possible scenarios, it is very reassuring to know that once decisions have been made, we will have the funding from SVEF to support the most needed programs. We are grateful for the continued support of the SVEF and its commitment to helping us maintain high educational standards and meet the needs of all of the children in this community.”

“Supporting the academic programs with the most need in our district is what SVEF is all about and this year is no different,” said Robert Aldana, president of SVEF. “As we find ourselves in unprecedented times with the global pandemic putting our educators and all that we know about education to the test, we have faith in Tanya and her leadership team’s ability to adapt to the situation and determine the best course forward. We are excited to be able to provide the financial support that helps the district provide the services most needed to help all students and educators navigate through this crisis.”

About the Scotts Valley Unified School District
SVUSD’s mission is to provide each student with quality educational and social opportunities needed to thrive in a modern world. In March 2020, SVUSD ranked No.13 out of the top 100 school districts in California according to research by Backgroundchecks.org. Comprising Brook Knoll and Vine Hill Elementary, Scotts Valley Middle School and Scotts Valley High School, SVUSD boasts the highest student test scores in Santa Cruz County as well as the highest rate of students graduating and moving on to college at a 95 percent rate. For the last four years, SVUSD students have significantly outperformed California state averages in both Mathematics and English Language Arts. For more information, please visit www.scottsvalleyusd.org.

About the Scotts Valley Educational Foundation
Founded in 1983, the Scotts Valley Educational Foundation (SVEF) provides funding for programs and education materials to enhance the solid academic curriculum and maintain the high quality of education in the Scotts Valley Unified School District (SVUSD). SVEF has donated more than $1,000,000 to support the needs of children from kindergarten through high school graduation and beyond. SVEF is a non-profit, all volunteer organization whose mission is to raise funds for direct donation and support efforts that positively impact the educational experience of all students in the Scotts Valley Unified School District. For more information and to donate, visit www.svef.net and follow SVEF on Facebook and on Instagram.

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SVEF Press Contact:
Jaime Cottini, Director of Communications
[email protected] or 415-747-1605