What is the purpose of LREF?
The Ladera Ranch Education Foundation (LREF) was created to raise funds to enrich and improve the quality of the educational environment for the public school children of Ladera Ranch. It is designed to strengthen the relationship between the public schools and the community, and to support a level of excellence and innovation in our children’s’ educational experience.
Doesn’t the PTA already do this?
The Parent Teacher Association (PTA) is a national child advocacy organization, which provides programs school-wide. The PTA has traditionally not raised funds for grade specific needs, such as Kindergarten music and 5th Grade Science Camp. LREF was created to enable fundraising for these types of items to supplement PTA.
How can I get involved?
Residents can get involved by supporting LREF events and/or participating in the Foundation.
Can I make a donation?
Yes. Donations can be made by participating in LREF events or by making a direct donation to the foundation. Click here for donation forms and information.
I want to make sure my donation is directed to a specific school. How do I do that?
If you wish to make a donation to a specific school through LREF, you may do so by indicating on your check and/or donation form which school you wish to benefit from your donation or visit our page for your specific school (Chaparral Elementary, Ladera Ranch Elementary, Oso Grande Elementary, Ladera Ranch Middle, Tesoso High, or San Juan Hills High).
Is my donation tax deductible?
Yes. LREF is a 501(c)(3) organization under the IRS tax code and our IRS EIN number is 20-1454142. Items purchased from LREF are only tax deductible in excess of the value received.
Shouldn’t I just give money to the CUSD Foundation?
Donations made to the CUSD Foundation are used for the entire district. Donations made to LREF are used specifically for Ladera Ranch schools. By donating directly to LREF, your funds remain in the community and directly help Ladera Ranch students.
Who decides how the money is spent?
The LREF board votes on how donations are spent. Each school has representatives on the LREF board and the principals are also non-voting board members. Decisions are made based on input from the principals and other school representatives.
I’ve heard that there is an event that benefits only one school – why is that?
LREF supports Ladera Ranch public schools in two ways:
- By holding community wide events to generate general funds. These funds will be divided among all six public schools to be used as needed at each school. The LREF board manages these events.
- By providing banking services for each school for grade specific fundraisers, such as Class Size Reduction, Music, Technology, and 5th Grade Science Camp. These events are managed solely by parent committees from each school and the funds are deposited directly into the school’s checking account through the Foundation.
