Budget Breakdown & Library Funds

I've heard of a couple concerns regarding how funds are spent so I thought I'd give you guys a Reader's Digest breakdown of PFA spending:
The purpose of a Parents' Fundraising Association is to provide funding for resources that Alberta Education does not and/or cannot fund. This means that the PFA's priorities are typically NOT things like classroom supplies, gym equipment, or library books, because there ARE ways to get funds from the government for those things (slow, red-taped ways, but still). That said, the PFA is a registered society, completely independent from the school and Alberta Ed, and can opt to fund certain items in those categories, as it sees fit, upon a majority vote.

This year PFA was informed by the school that it's priority should be refurbishing the playground. That said, fundraising for playgrounds often takes years, and we didn't want to have to deprive current students in order to provide as much. Based on that, a motion was passed for PFA funds to be split thusly: 50% Playground ($5K GIC), 25% Resources and Equipment ($2500 to Library plus funding 7 Prometheon Smart Boards), 10% to Student-only activities and subsidies ($600 Dragon Paws for Grand Opening, $750 to Positive Reinforcement Program), 10% Town and School Community Events (Snowflake Festival, Sham-ROCK Family Dance, Community Carnival), 5% Contingency Fund.

In this way, current students are provided for while still responsibly saving for a future playground.

Mr.Rufiange just gave us the breakdown of how the $2500 from PFA was spent for the library (which, keep in mind is not technically a PFA responsibility):
$164 was spent at the book fair
$186.84 through the grade 4/5 scholastic order
$900 – Warehouse sale
$700.97 – Amazon
$254.77 – Scholastic order from grade ¾

All books were leveled for grade 3,4,5 and 6.
The remaining $293.42 will be spent on French books for K and grade 1.

If you have ANY concerns regarding funding that falls into that "can't be paid for by Alberta Ed" category, I'm your girl. Give me a shout any time, or feel free to attend any PFA meeting, come September. They're open to ALL parents.

If you've got any concerns related to any other funding, I STRONGLY suggest you contact Mr.Rufiange. He is very open to parent feedback and is more than willing to work with all of us for the greater good of our kids and their school.

Thanks guys, and I'll see you in September.

GO DRAGONS!
Leah Elzinga, Chair
MPES PFA