About

In 1979, a group of concerned parents and community leaders recognized the need to restore funding to school programs cut as a result of Proposition 13. The South Pasadena Educational Foundation, incorporated as a 501 (c) (3) charity in 1980, was designated by the SPUSD as the official private fund-raising organization for the support of the district's educational programs. SPEF is one of many private educational foundations in California and nationwide, and is a member of the California Consortium of Educational Foundations.

Since its inception, SPEF has provided much needed support to SPUSD in all educational areas. Program areas receiving support have included books and technology for school libraries, performing arts, foreign languages, science for elementary grades, character education, critical thinking, a career center, staff development, guidance counseling, and athletics. Donations to SPEF have always supported all five of South Pasadena's public schools: Arroyo Vista, Marengo, Monterey Hills, Middle School, and High School. SPEF also administrates, with SPUSD, the annual Summer School which is available to all SPUSD students.

SPEF, since 1980, has raised over $3.5 million to restore and enrich educational programs the school district could not fund alone. SPEF raises funds through generous donations from South Pasadena parents and community members, Individual Donors and Business Donors. SPEF works closely with the District and has formal liaisons with the SPUSD School Board, PTA Council, and the South Pasadena Chinese American Club.