FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
APRIL 15, 2009
CONTACT: Mark Kipphut
President
Catalina Foothills School District Foundation
520.668.2216

Tucson Foundation Launches Grassroots Fundraising Campaign to
Keep Foothills Area Teachers in Classrooms

(Tucson, Arizona) — Faced with unacceptable cuts in state funding for public education that could jeopardize the future of foothills students, the Catalina Foothills School District Foundations has launched a 60-day grassroots fundraising drive to offset the cuts proposed by state lawmakers. The campaign asks foothills families and public education advocates to take the “30/60 Challenge,” which seeks to raise the requisite funds, over 60 days, to retain the 30 teaching positions now at risk under current budget projections.

“The 30/60 Challenge inspires the community to come together and preserve our decade-long record of excellence,” said Mark Kipphut, President of the CFSD Foundation. “Our efforts focus on investing in proven results,” he continued, “and instead of cutting our funding, legislators should be showcasing District 16 as the model for successful public education.”

Kipphut states that the Foothills community cares about their children and their schools, and that this campaign is empowering them to take positive action. “The 30/60 Challenge is designed to give parents and supporters the tools to engage their family, friends, and neighbors in this important effort, enabling our community to take a stand for our kids, and for the continued tradition of excellence in the Catalina Foothills School District.”

Families are requested to visit the 30/60 Challenge Web site (www.3060challenge.com) to download the campaign’s grassroots kit. This Web site is designed to help individuals get organized, and includes the following items:

• Details about the proposed budget cuts
• Details about what is at risk
• A fact sheet to help answer questions
• Campaign graphics that can be downloaded and personalized

In addition, to maximize the campaign’s potential among vast social networks, the Foundation has developed a 30/60 challenge “cause page” on Facebook.

About the Catalina Foothills School District Foundation
Founded in 1983, the Catalina Foothills School District Foundation is an independent, 501c3, non-profit organization which provides support to the Catalina Foothills Unified School District 16. Until 1998, the Foundation focused on teacher-initiated projects in the classroom, such as library books, math materials, telescopes, drama, and fine arts equipment. Since 1998, the Foundation has focused on raising critical resources for teaching positions and other academic programs. The Foundation partners with school administration, and school-based Faculty and Family Organizations, to sustain excellence in public education. Donors include parents, community residents, and local businesses which support public education.

For more information, visit the Foundation at: www.cfsdfoundation.org.

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