Only one month after the West Contra Costa County, California, school board decided to close all its school libraries in response to severe budget cuts, donors have offered a total of $373,000 to help out. The libraries have even generated more gifts than the athletic programs, which were also eliminated.
The largest single gift to the schools by far was $500,000 that came from the San Francisco Foundation, on behalf of an anonymous donor, reflecting the philanthropic group’s efforts to promote literacy and athletics. $350,000 of that amount was earmarked to preserve limited library services next year, with the remainder going to school sports.
School District Superintendent Gloria Johnston said in the April 1 Contra Costa Times that she was “absolutely overwhelmed” by the donation. “It shows how community members really do care about the children in our schools.”
The school board voted March 12 to place an $8-million parcel tax on a special June 8 ballot to raise money for the programs.
Posted April 2, 2004.