School Fuel Celebrates 10 Years of Supporting Novato Schools

In 2003 a group of Novato parents concerned about budget cuts’ impact on schools got together and formed a group that would raise funds for art classes, counselors, physical education and other “extras” that had been reduced because of California’s fiscal problems.

They called their group School Fuel and since then it has raised over $1.7 million for local schools.

On Saturday, November 16, the organization is celebrating its 10 year anniversary with a party at the Margaret Todd Senior Center featuring food, drinks and music. But since funding for Novato schools has been reduced by $8 million in the past decade, the event is also a fundraiser for all schools.

“When I moved to Novato ten years ago, it just really struck me that things I always thought should be part of school weren’t,” said Susan Mathews, executive director of School Fuel. “It never occurred to me that schools couldn't have music or the arts.”

Over the years, money raised by School Fuel has funded music and a tennis program at Novato elementary schools, media specialists at Novato's school libraries, school to career counselors and many other programs that would have been closed due to lack of funds.

The group also recently received a $91,000 grant that will fund arts in every elementary school in Novato.

Marin County schools saw a $55 million drop in funds over the past decade. Even as funding is gradually increased in coming years, 2007-2008 levels of funding will only be reached by 2020, according to Mary Jane Burke, the Marin County Superintendent of Schools.

Worried about the impact of cuts, Burke and other educators formed SchoolsRule two years ago, an organization that raises money for all Marin schools. It then redistributes the funds to local educational foundations, such as School Fuel, based on need. Groups can decide where to apply the funds in their community.

“You don’t find a lot of places across our state where a community is working for each and every kid in the county, not just their specific classroom or their school,” Burke said. 

”It’s a source of great pride for us...In the end, it’s our responsibility is to ensure that we invest in our kids and make sure they have a well rounded education, which means having access to physical education, arts and other programs. The more we do that, the more it affects the vibrancy of our communities."

School Fuel’s 10th anniversary event will be held Saturday, November 16 6:30pm-8:30pm. Tickets are $35 and include two adult beverages. Click here to purchase