Direct donation faqs
What is the suggested donation amount?
We request a donation of $400 for the first student plus $150 per additional student at West Valley.
What is the deadline for donation?
We accept donations at any time throughout the school year. The annual campaign generally takes place in the spring of each year. Contributions are requested as early in the campaign as possible, as they help us with planning and budgeting for the following year.
How do I make a donation?
Online donations and payment plans can be arranged by clicking on the “Donate Now” button. You may also donate by check payable to West Valley Parent Teacher Organization (WVPTO). Please leave the check in the WVPTO mailbox in the school office, along with a completed contribution form, or mail it to:
WVPTO
P.O. Box 2032
Sunnyvale, CA 94087-2032
We request a donation of $400 for the first student plus $150 per additional student at West Valley.
What is the deadline for donation?
We accept donations at any time throughout the school year. The annual campaign generally takes place in the spring of each year. Contributions are requested as early in the campaign as possible, as they help us with planning and budgeting for the following year.
How do I make a donation?
Online donations and payment plans can be arranged by clicking on the “Donate Now” button. You may also donate by check payable to West Valley Parent Teacher Organization (WVPTO). Please leave the check in the WVPTO mailbox in the school office, along with a completed contribution form, or mail it to:
WVPTO
P.O. Box 2032
Sunnyvale, CA 94087-2032
Why are supplemental funds needed at West Valley?
The Cupertino Union School District (CUSD) is one of the lowest funded school districts in Santa Clara County, as well as in the state. Our base funding level is determined by a complex state formula that is tied to the level of spending for K-8 schools in this community in 1973. Because we were a low spending district at that time and because our community did not have the business/corporate tax base that exists today, we became locked into a low base revenue limit in subsequent years. Additionally, CUSD does not qualify for special funding targeted for low achieving schools because our students district wide have high achievement levels-district levels, not school levels, determine funding eligibility. For these reasons, we have fewer dollars per student to spend than other districts.
Public school is supposed to be free. Why am I being asked to pay?
State funding barely covers rising expenses and mandated programs. Without parent organization funding, many of the programs that enrich our children’s curriculum would not be possible. The Cupertino Union School District has been severely impacted by California’s budget crisis. The programs funded directly by parent contributions are what will bridge the gap and keep our schools performing at a level we are proud of and have come to expect.
I cannot afford the suggested donation per student. What should I do?
We would like for you to contribute what is comfortable for you. Every donation makes a difference. It is the hundreds of individual donations that collectively add up to the grand total raised each year. We strive for 100% participation.
Is my donation tax-deductible?
Yes, your donation is tax deductible. The West Valley Parent Teacher Organization (WVPTO) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organizations. No goods or services are provided in return for your contribution. WVPTO Tax ID# 46-5663137.
Will I receive a receipt?
Yes, receipts will be sent to the email address provided for all donors who make contributions to WVPTO. Please be sure to keep a copy for tax purposes. If a recurring payment option was selected, a receipt will be sent after all payments have been received.
What is the difference between Operating and Endowment Accounts on the donor form?
The Operating Account is where funding for the next school year is drawn. Money contributed to this account will directly impact your child next year. The Endowment Account has been set up to be a long term funding solution for our school. The goal of the endowment account is to be able to use 80% of the interest each year to fund the resources and enrichment programs at our school, while re-investing 20% to keep the fund growing. Unfortunately, at this time, the endowment account is not large enough for this to be a viable resource. Note: We are looking for a parent volunteer to act as a financial advisor for this account to assist with growing the endowment.
The Cupertino Union School District (CUSD) is one of the lowest funded school districts in Santa Clara County, as well as in the state. Our base funding level is determined by a complex state formula that is tied to the level of spending for K-8 schools in this community in 1973. Because we were a low spending district at that time and because our community did not have the business/corporate tax base that exists today, we became locked into a low base revenue limit in subsequent years. Additionally, CUSD does not qualify for special funding targeted for low achieving schools because our students district wide have high achievement levels-district levels, not school levels, determine funding eligibility. For these reasons, we have fewer dollars per student to spend than other districts.
Public school is supposed to be free. Why am I being asked to pay?
State funding barely covers rising expenses and mandated programs. Without parent organization funding, many of the programs that enrich our children’s curriculum would not be possible. The Cupertino Union School District has been severely impacted by California’s budget crisis. The programs funded directly by parent contributions are what will bridge the gap and keep our schools performing at a level we are proud of and have come to expect.
I cannot afford the suggested donation per student. What should I do?
We would like for you to contribute what is comfortable for you. Every donation makes a difference. It is the hundreds of individual donations that collectively add up to the grand total raised each year. We strive for 100% participation.
Is my donation tax-deductible?
Yes, your donation is tax deductible. The West Valley Parent Teacher Organization (WVPTO) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organizations. No goods or services are provided in return for your contribution. WVPTO Tax ID# 46-5663137.
Will I receive a receipt?
Yes, receipts will be sent to the email address provided for all donors who make contributions to WVPTO. Please be sure to keep a copy for tax purposes. If a recurring payment option was selected, a receipt will be sent after all payments have been received.
What is the difference between Operating and Endowment Accounts on the donor form?
The Operating Account is where funding for the next school year is drawn. Money contributed to this account will directly impact your child next year. The Endowment Account has been set up to be a long term funding solution for our school. The goal of the endowment account is to be able to use 80% of the interest each year to fund the resources and enrichment programs at our school, while re-investing 20% to keep the fund growing. Unfortunately, at this time, the endowment account is not large enough for this to be a viable resource. Note: We are looking for a parent volunteer to act as a financial advisor for this account to assist with growing the endowment.
