The Open Classroom school utilizes the Parents for Open Education (PFOE) fund to enrich student learning experiences through various community-supported activities, including field trips, music programs, and classroom supplies. This funding model relies on parent donations and fundraising events to provide resources that supplement the standard educational curriculum.
PFOE Funding and Support
The PFOE fund is designed to directly support a wide range of educational activities for students. According to the school, these supported activities include classroom supplies, music, and science. Additionally, the fund covers costs for field trips and the buses required to transport students, as well as after-school sports and graduation events.
Budget Oversight and Transparency
To ensure fiscal responsibility, the school maintains a structured oversight process for the PFOE budget. The school's governance bodies, which include the School Team Council (SCT), the Steering Executive, and the Steering Body, are responsible for the approval of or any changes to the budget. The school provides transparency regarding these finances by sharing an updated copy of the PFOE budget at every Steering Body meeting.
Classroom Wishlists and Contributions
Beyond the centralized PFOE fund, the school offers individual ways for families to contribute to specific classroom needs. Teachers at the school compile classroom wishlists that include items such as snacks to prevent distractions, classroom organization tools, new books, and activities intended to extend student learning. The school notes that families are not required to purchase items for their classes.
Alternative Donation Methods
For specialized projects, the school suggests using platforms like Donors Choose. This method allows for support of specific initiatives, such as grade-wide reading groups, science projects, or supplies for performance art. Other donation options include corporate sponsorships, recurring donations, or checks made payable to the Open Classroom or the Salt Lake Education Foundation (SLEF).
School Policies and Attendance
The school maintains a commitment to accessibility and non-discrimination in all its programs and activities. In accordance with Utah law, students between the ages of 6 and 18 are required to attend school regularly. The school provides resources to help families address challenges that may prevent consistent attendance, aiming to keep every student connected to learning.
Commitment to Equality and Access
The school's administration is dedicated to providing equal access and opportunity in its programs, services, and employment. This includes adherence to policies regarding non-discrimination based on age, color, disability, gender, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, pregnancy, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, or veteran status. The district is also working to ensure its digital presence meets ADA compliance and W3C Level Two guidelines.
