Association presents funds to hire Oak Park science teacher

Friends of Oak Park Schools presented a check for $103,000 to the Oak Park Unified School District at the Sept. 16 board meeting.

Funds have been earmarked to hire part-time science specialist Debby West as a full-time science specialist/naturalist.

Friends also provides ongoing financial support for music programs in the elementary and secondary schools.

"On behalf of the Friends board, and in keeping with our commitment to the students of Oak Park, we could not be more pleased to be able to support the programs that we have started here," said Barry Myerson, chair of the Friends board.

"The commitment of the parents and friends, both inside and outside the district, have contributed in making the Oak Park School District an example in community-driven education."

Friends of Oak Park Schools is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing OPUSD with additional private funding to supplement limited public funding. By working with parents and business partners in Southern California, it raises money to support educational programs that would not otherwise be funded.

For information, visit www .friendsofoakparkschools.org.