Over the last seven years, state budget cuts have decimated PUSD's budget, especially in the arena of the arts. Because of restrictions on the way that PTAs can spend their money, McKinley and many other schools in the PUSD district have started Annual Funds so that they can raise money to try to offset the impact of these budget cuts without having to follow the restrictions imposed by the PTA. (For example, money raised through the Annual Fund can work to support the salaries of the music and art teachers, an expense that is restricted by the PTA bylaws.)

 

Over the past three years, we’ve used the money we’ve raised for the Annual Fund to pay for:

·       Our fantastic theater productions, including sets, costumes, and licensing fees

·       Music classes for K-2

·       Woodworking classes for our 3^rd graders

·       Ceramics classes for 4^th graders

·       Voices Within—an amazing partnership with the LA Master Chorale

·       McKinley Jazz Program—a Pasadena Showcase production

·       A partnership with the LA Opera

·       Choir and stage teachers (Mr. Gates and Mrs. Lacey)

·       Armory arts teachers for our 2^nd graders

·       Art consultants for every grade level

 

But none of this is possible without your support.

With your contribution of $35 per child, we can continue these programs.

With your contribution of $70 per child, we can add to these programs to build more art instruction into our curriculum.