When San Francisco Unified School District Superintendent Maria Su unveiled a new enrollment system, music teacher Lauren Schwartz knew her school needed more support. Visitacion Valley Middle School, serving about 300 students, has long felt the strain of budget cuts and the absence of a parent‑teacher association (PTA).
Teachers step up with a nonprofit
Schwartz and fellow staff members have spent the past nine months brainstorming ways to bridge the funding gap. Their solution: a 501(c)(3) nonprofit called Friends of Viz Valley. The group hopes to raise money for school‑wide events, cultural celebrations and a possible large‑scale field trip, goals traditionally handled by PTAs.
Since 1978, Proposition 13 dramatically reduced property‑tax revenues for California schools, making PTAs essential fundraising engines. Yet, according to the Second District PTA, only 59 of the district’s schools have an active PTA; roughly 40 schools, including Viz Valley, do not.
Why a nonprofit works better here
PTAs require a president, secretary, treasurer and at least 15 members, each committing significant volunteer hours. In a community where 82.8% of students are economically disadvantaged, many parents work long hours and cannot attend monthly meetings. Principal Maya Baker notes that few parents have the time to act as “helicopter parents.”
By contrast, a nonprofit can operate with a single board member, allowing teachers and staff to manage fundraising without the extensive volunteer commitments PTAs demand. While establishing a 501(c)(3) involves paperwork, it offers greater flexibility and independence from PTA bylaws.
Early fundraising efforts
Friends of Viz Valley has already begun collecting donations. Schwartz raised $3,000 by promoting the nonprofit’s website on Facebook, allocating $800 to a Latin Heritage Month celebration. Board member Crystal Alvarado said the event added real food and activities, enhancing the student experience.
The group’s first‑year goals include funding heritage month celebrations and a large‑scale field trip—ideally a local destination, though a Disneyland trip remains a distant dream.
Community support and precedent
SFUSD’s public‑relations manager Katrina Kincaide mentioned that SPARK, the district’s public foundation, is launching a campaign to assist schools lacking PTAs or fundraising structures. This support aligns with past examples, such as the Mission High Foundation, which was created in 2014 by community members to fund college‑prep programs and school events after the PTA’s effectiveness waned.
Schwartz hopes to partner with the Mission High Foundation to strengthen Friends of Viz Valley’s impact. “It’s uplifting, just letting every kid feel special,” she said, emphasizing the nonprofit’s mission to bring the whole community together for enriching school experiences.
Looking ahead
The nonprofit’s IRS recognition is expected in early 2027. Until then, teachers continue to reach out to friends and neighbors for contributions, aiming to fill the resource void left by the missing PTA and ensure that every student at Visitacion Valley Middle School can enjoy a well‑rounded education.
Original reporting: Mission Local — read the source article.
