A fundraiser was launched Wednesday afternoon to help finance the COVID-related budget shortfall for the Rye City School District.
The Rye Fund for Education, the 501(c)(3) non-profit that is a longstanding fundraiser and advocate for the schools, launched the new Safe Academics for Everyone (SAFE) campaign, aiming to raise $250,000. The fund has pledged $50,000 from its own reserves against the $250K goal.
The district is incurring costs related to COVID for both in-person and remote learning in excess of $500,000. For example, the State mandates a three month supply of PPE before any school can open. The schools have an initial stockpile, but will need to fund additional purchases.
The following COVID related costs were detailed by The Rye Fund for Education:
- Remote learning technology: $400,000 (includes Chromebooks, webcams, portable microphones & speakers)
- Reopening one-time expenses: $160,000 (includes cleaning equipment & signage, health assessment software, desk partitions)
- Reopening monthly expenses: $75,000 (includes PPE, hand sanitizer, cleaning supplies)
Other examples of the use of proceeds were provided in a letter to supporters:
“All donations to the SAFE campaign will go to the Rye City School District to support the
needs of our schools to manage COVID-19, such as:
- $80 will purchase two polycarbonate dividers to shield students and faculty.
- $500 will ensure an elementary student has a dedicated Chromebook and case for use throughout the school year.
- $1,500 will purchase webcams, portable microphones and speakers for remote instruction for three classrooms.
- $6,000 will purchase health assessment software to allow the district to collect daily health questionnaires from parents and faculty.”
You can read more here and you can donate online. Donations are tax deductible.
(PHOTO: The Rye Fund for Education leadership: Dr. Eric Byrne, Kim Abate, Laura Slack, Richard Slack. Paul Murphy, Jimmy Roberts, Jennifer Boyle and Young Kim.)
