Results from the PTSA's Family Survey & How It Helped with Next Year's Budget

We wanted to share results of the PTSA Family Survey, but first off -- please join us at the final PTSA General Meeting of the year on Tuesday, June 11th at 6:30pm at the Queen Anne Community Center. It's important we hear from you about the proposed budget and priorities for next year! Plus, hear about how the final construction work is going at QAE on Boston St and the timeline for moving over the summer! Games Club will be available for your kiddos during that time - sign up for slots here!

We thank all those in the community who answered the Family Survey last month. ​Here's how the community ranked the priority areas:

• 1st - Staffing Support (Salaries for tutors, specialists and counselors)
• 2nd - Curriculum Support (iReady Math, Assemblies, Book-It Theater)
• 3rd - Social Emotional Learning & Diversity Initiatives/Training
• 4th - Community Development/Social Events ( Back to School BBQ, Parent Socials, 5th grade graduation)

 
With that guidance we applied that mindset when looking at the budget allocations for next year.  We spread the budget into the following general categories:

• Staffing – 57%
• Curriculum Support – 22%
• Social & Emotional Learning – 8%
• Community Development – 5%
• Other – 8%

Please keep in mind the budget is still being finalized by the Board, so there is potential that the percentages may change slightly.  But the board really looked at making the decisions based on your feedback.

To be fiscally responsible we cut all categories of the expenses down from this years budget and from previous year because we raised less total dollars versus prior year. 

This year you helped raise $230k (THANK YOU!!!) based on the three primary QAE PTSA fundraisers as well as "passive" donations:

• Jog A Thon - 23%
• Fund Drive - 20%
• Auction - 47%
• Passive - 10% (Matching Donations, Amazon Associate, etc.)

If your company is able to match funds we ask you to consider submitting a matching request for QAE.  If your company pays for your volunteer hours please remember to tally up your QAE volunteer hours to submit. Every penny adds up!

FAQ

Why are we talking about next years budget now?
The regular PTSA fiscal year starts on July 1st.  And historically we take a vote at this last general membership meeting of the year to give the Board the ability to move forward with planning and spending.  We will re-present the information with any suggested updates at the first general meeting of the school year, typically in October.

Why did we raise less money this year?
QAE had fewer families/students at the school versus last year.  Although the per dollars raised per student were similar from the direct fundraisers we had fewer students at the school vs. prior year.  So less total dollars.

Can we make changes at the general membership meeting?
Yes adjustments can be made in the majority of the categories. There is a particular chunk in the staffing budget that we cannot touch at this point because we have signed an agreement with SPS to commit to staff. 

​---

We hope to see you on Tuesday at the Community Center to discuss and vote!