San Jose parents raise $1 million to help save teacher jobs
With the economy taking a serious toll on the state of California and forcing Governor Schwarzenegger to reduce or eliminate the funding for several state-run programs and institutions, a group of parents concerned about their children's education have come together to help local teachers keep their jobs.
Calling themselves "Their Future is Now," the parents have been operating a number of activities including cold calling for donations, charitable events and raffles in an attempt to provide San Jose schools with the funding necessary to maintain its current staffing levels. Since March the organization has generated more than $1 million in donations, according to the Mercury News.
In addition to donations taken from the general population, the organization is partnered with local businesses like Cisco which have vowed to match the community's contributions. The organization hopes to hit $3 million by May 15.
"The passion that parents are showing in trying to save so many teaching jobs is an inspiration for the entire town," teacher Dave Villafana, president of the Cupertino Education Association, told the news provider.
Cupertino's Chamber of Commerce has also petitioned 70 local restaurants and retailers to donate a portion of their net profits to the organization.
