An Update from the Foundation President

Dear Riverdale School Families and Community Members,

As we are several weeks into the school year with the new comprehensive distance learning (CDL) platform, I thought now would be a good time to share the collective enthusiasm about the strength and vigor of our children’s new educational experience. Over the summer, several key advances were made to improve the quality of education and ensure the robustness of the distance learning platforms. There has also been a leadership transition at the Superintendent and Principal levels. We at the Foundation are so pleased to have eight-year Riverdale veteran Joanna Tobin at the helm as Superintendent, and heartily welcome Stephanie Kendall as Grade School Principal and Brian Flannery as High School Principal.  This team comes with a wealth of experience and an eagerness to provide the best possible learning experience for Riverdale students, especially given the challenging times in the world presently.

The Riverdale School Foundation is a 501(c)(3) organization created in 1993 as a response to legislative changes that drastically reduced school funding. Our sole mission is to raise funding to “bridge the gap” between what the State School Fund provides and what it costs to provide an educational experience that allows access to small class sizes, art, music, library, languages and special electives at both the grade and high school. This gap can run as high as $5500/student in this biennium. Donations to the Foundation cover much of that gap and account for close to 15% of the annual operating budget.  Simply stated, donations to the Foundation put teachers in classrooms. Because of the support of the Riverdale Foundation, our school district is able to quickly adapt to changing circumstances and meet new challenges such as those posed by distance learning. Many of the teachers worked tirelessly with the administration over the summer to put together a comprehensive distance learning program comparable to private programs in the area. 

Last year, our campaign raised over $1.45 million dollars for our children’s educational experience. The Foundation a very lean organization, with around 2% of funds raised going to our operating budget. Much of this is used for credit card fees during the Annual Campaign. We also have a Long-Term Stability Fund, from which money could be made available in the event of unforeseen circumstances.

Normally, the Riverdale School Foundation would be ramping up to kick off our Annual Campaign in early October. This year our Annual Campaign will begin after the November 3rd Election, so as not to detract from the importance of the Local Option Levy Renewal. Every 5 years since 2000, Riverdale school district voters have approved the Local Option. Passage of the 2020 Local Option is expected to generate approximately $1 million/year, over the next 5 years representing 10% of the school’s annual operating budget. This year has presented so many challenges never encountered before. Passage of Ballot Measure 26-216 will provide Riverdale an essential source of revenue so students and the district can continue to move forward during these unusual times.   

Our Annual Campaign will begin on November 9th, following the election, and will run through Friday, January 29, 2021. For those of you who would like to donate before that time, the Foundation accepts donations any time of year through our website or at the address at the foot of this letter. This year only, there is a CARES Act provision that offers a 100% deduction for cash contributions to your favorite charity, and we hope that Riverdale School District is top of your list. 

Our goal this year is to raise $1.5 million to maintain educational services within the district. Requested giving levels remain the same as last year: $4000/student for residents and transfers, $1000/family for community members, and $500/student for tuition families. During the Annual Campaign, families will receive emails and letters as well as direct contact from a committee of parent volunteers from your youngest child’s grade. While the amount raised is extremely important, we hope that every family will participate at a level that is meaningful for them. 

Please investigate whether your employer supports corporate matching; this is a great source of funds for the school. Last year’s campaign generated over $90,000 in employer matches alone. Riverdale Families have a long tradition of supporting their schools, and our children are fortunate to attend school in a district that prioritizes exemplary education.

While this pandemic has affected all of us, all over the world, Riverdale has had the opportunity to create a platform for distance learning that will be beneficial far beyond this crisis. I am so grateful to have such innovative leaders in our administration; caring and experienced teachers at both our schools; and some of the most wonderful, connected parents and students we call friends and neighbors. Thank you for your continued support of Riverdale School Foundation.

Warmest Regards,

Amber Hillman
2020-21 Riverdale School Foundation President