Page 82 - EdViewptsSpring2017

Need Money? Start an Alumni

Association

By Thomas Gorman, Principal of Ridgewood High School

In 2010, Governor Christie through these associations and foun- all the money colleges collect from
and state legislators dations primarily comes from the local donations. The same can be said
level. The same people are constantly
about their hometown schools.
adopted a 2% cap on being asked to donate more for their The first step in creating an alumni
property tax increases schools. One alternative solution to this association is for an administrator to
problem is to start an alumni associa-
stifling the growth of school district tion. While alumni associations have contact several local alumni who have
a passion for your school. This can be
budgets. This has left administra- been around for private schools and accomplished by contacting graduating
tors struggling to find much needed colleges for a long time, this is a new class chairpersons who are organizing
financial resources to continue deliver- concept for public schools. There are reunions (typically in the fall), combing
ing quality educational services their four steps to starting an alumni associ- alumni Facebook pages already in
communities have grown accustomed ation and within two years your school existence, or speaking with people in
to. Subsequently, administrators have can be ready to reach out to an alterna- the community. These initial alumni are
come to rely upon money that is gener- tive funding source. key to the success of the association
ously donated to their schools by way because they know other alumni who
of parent associations or education Step 1: Generate Support are equally passionate, successful
foundations. In essence, schools are There are proud alumni who feel a in their endeavors, and connected to
supplementing their budgets through genuine and emotional attachment alumni beyond your knowledge.
fundraising. Typically, the money raised
to the schools they attended. Look at

Educational Viewpoints -80- Spring 2017