WHAT WE DO
School Funding
“Education is the principal agent for change for the next generations to shape a better future. An educated society will make good decisions and do the most to change income inequality. An investment in the Oak Park Education Foundation offers more than ten times the output in results. In fact, it is priceless!”
We Support Excellence
OPEF supports excellence in Oak Park Schools with donations from parents, community members and businesses who are determined to enhance and enrich the caliber of of our local schools. Financial support from the community is an integral part of our fundraising efforts.
On a per-pupil basis, OPUSD receives a base grant from the state, funds from local bond measures, and voluntary donations raised by OPEF. But these sources combined don’t get the District on par with neighboring LA and Ventura County Schools - we receive on average $610 less per student than our neighboring districts. We are doing more with less, but together we can do even more!
The District makes a formal allocation request to the OPEF Board each year for funds raised.
For the 2025 -2026 school year, the Foundation will raise funds for the following programs:
College & Career Center (estimated $26,000 - $28,000)
Wellness Counselor at Medea Creek ($135,000 - $140,000)
Elementary PE Aides (1 per site - $60,000 - $65,000)
All Other programs across the District as requested ($50,000+)
Where the Money Goes
2024- 2025 Total Donation to OPUSD: $81,900
How We Are Different (From PTA/PFA)
Oak Park schools have a number of fundraising organizations - PTA’s, PFA’s, OPIMA, OPPAA, ABC Boosters, just to name a few, and allocating donations can be confusing for parents. As your child gets older and focuses on specific activities, there is a natural focus on supporting those activities. But consider this: the programs that OPEF funds support ALL students in the District, and it’s vital that everyone helps share the burden.
