Natomas Schools Foundation Launches $4 Million Capital Campaign

SACRAMENTO, CA, February 8, 2006—The Natomas Schools Foundation today announced the launch of a $4 million capital campaign to fund wide-ranging district projects, including a major infrastructure upgrade and a new tool for boosting academic achievement among students.

The campaign marks a significant commitment on the part of Natomas’s business community, which is expected to have a major role in the fundraising effort.

“I have every confidence that the area’s business leaders will get the capital campaign off to a vigorous start,” said Will Craig, president of both the Natomas Schools Foundation and the Natomas Chamber of Commerce. “After all, business people know when they see a good investment, and I can’t think of a better return than students who are well prepared to innovate and contribute to the workforce and their community. ”The Natomas Unified School District, which serves 9,800 students, welcomes the assistance from the private foundation.

“This is an exciting time for our district and the many students who will be helped by the Foundation,” said Natomas Unified School District Superintendent Steve Farrar. “So far we’ve targeted two important projects that I believe will bring lasting benefit to the greatest number of students.”

The Natomas Schools Foundation will raise $2 million to pay for diagnostic and intervention tools to assist students who are not meeting academic standards. The program, designed by the HOSTS Learning company, utilizes a computerized assessment tool to quickly identify students who may not be passing state standardized tests in English and math and provides a clear program for supplemental instruction. A key component of the system is its extensive use of community volunteers who assist teachers by providing students one-on-one attention. HOSTS Learning has offered the district a 50 percent discount for agreeing to serve as a demonstration site for other schools.

The Foundation will also raise $2 million to install all-weather synthetic turf athletic fields at its two high schools, Natomas High School and Inderkum High School. Used in many professional sports venues, these durable fields require less maintenance than grass fields and will allow students to play more games.

“With the installation of the turf fields, we will be poised to become a first-class athletic venue that can bring additional revenue to the district", said Farrar.

For information regarding these projects or to contribute to the campaign, please contact Natomas Schools Foundation President Will Craig at (916) 929-4864 or wcraig@natomasfoundation.org.