Frequently Asked Questions

A: SPARK, the Larkspur-Corte Madera Schools Foundation,  is a non-profit 501(c)(3) education foundation.  For more than 40 years, SPARK has raised tens of millions of dollars to supplement our limited school budgets by helping to address the gap between what Larkspur-Corte Madera families wanted for their children and what state and local funding provided. SPARK raises over $1.5M per year for three schools: Neil Cummins, Hall and The Cove through Annual Giving, business partnerships and fundraising events. Each of these is critical to providing the funding needed to keep vital programs offered through our schools. The dedication and hard work of our SPARK Board is what makes SPARK fundraising activities and community-building events possible. SPARK funding makes the difference between merely a solid education and an excellent one.

A: When Proposition 13 slashed education funding in California in 1978, these programs fell out of the funding equation. This is the case for LCMSD and for many districts in California. Hundreds of school districts throughout the State have education foundations, like SPARK, to supplement the education we want for our students. Because Prop 13 limited property tax rates and increases and set assessed values at 1976 levels –  effectively cut funding for public schools in California in half –  California is ranked 41st in the country for per-student funding.

Today’s reality is that property taxes and other local and state revenues alone do not cover the cost of a quality education for our children.

A: SPARK supports teacher salaries and benefits, plus and materials and supplies for music, art, science integration, robotics, engineering, technology and wellness programs at all three schools. Without SPARK, the simple truth is that these programs would be cut or severely scaled back. These programs help give our children confidence, foster creativity, and provide a breadth of experiences that tap each child’s unique talents while developing the self-expression and self-esteem needed to succeed in today’s world.

If people choose not to give to SPARK, we will have less money to give to the District for each student which will result in making hard choices on what to cut or reduce. Withholding donations to SPARK affects each school site’s budgets directly and the impact of reduced SPARK funding will be felt by every student.

If you are upset with an aspect of your child’s education, please communicate your concerns to your teacher, principal, superintendent and/or school board. They all want to ensure your child has access to the best education possible and is enjoying their school experience.

A: Our Board of Directors is comprised of parent volunteers from each of our three schools.  In addition, the SPARK Executive Director, the LCMSD Superintendent and one member of the LCMSD School Board of Trustees attend meetings and advise the SPARK Board. Board meetings are held monthly when school is in session. Our 20 board members work together throughout the school year to ensure the financial health of SPARK and manage our events and campaigns. Our three person part-time staff manages operations, administration, accounts receivable, database and communications keeps everything fluid to ensure SPARK’s success in meeting its goals.

A: We have a few shop back programs including Nugget and Amazon Smile that raise money for SPARK For more information, click here.

A: Yes! Like us on Facebook or follow us on Instagram to get pictures, updates and information on events! Click here for our Facebook page, click here for the SPARK instagram page.