A Friend in need
Following the defeat of two bond measures last year by a voting public fed up with paying taxes, some Oak Park residents took it upon themselves to help support the school district financially.

They won't provide the $70 million promised by the bonds, but at least they offer a start. Last week, Friends of Oak Park Schools, a group of volunteer parents reaching out to the community's more deep-pocketed supporters, held a casino night fundraiser at The Canyon club in Agoura Hills. The donations were brisk and encouraging. The Friends' goal is to raise money for the hiring of a much-needed science specialist.

When Oak Park students attend music classes each day, they have their Friends to thank. The organization raised more than $50,000 last year to save the music program from dramatic cuts. The Friends are hoping this year's efforts will boost the science program. The donations already have surpassed last year's.

Wisely, the Oak Park fundraisers are focused on helping existing programs rather than creating new ones. According to the Academic Performance Index, a leading indicator of classroom performance, all schools in the Oak Park district rank in the top 2 percent statewide. An amazing 95 percent of the graduates go on to college. And in Sophia Fischer's story on page 9A this week you'll read about a top award that was given recently to Oak View High School. The school district is doing well academically, but it costs money to stay on top.

There's more to the story, however, than just the failure of the bonds. California ranks a disappointing 33rd in the United States in per pupil funding. Because local property taxes pay only about a third of the local district's budget, other sources of income must be found. Unfortunately, Oak Park doesn't have a large business base from which to seek donations. It's important that volunteer groups such as the Friends are successful.

"We're going to go through some lean times ahead and we need everyone's help," said Barry Myerson, the Friends' chairperson.

Let's not wait to lend a hand. For more information, readers are invited to visit www.friendsofoakparkschools.com.