Heads Up foundation outlines arts, wellness and college‑access spending; asks board to help build sponsorships

Heads Up, the district foundation, presented its annual update at the Nov. 18 San Rafael City Schools meeting, describing sustained investments in elementary performing arts, campus wellness centers and high‑school college consultants while asking trustees to promote the foundation’s outreach and fundraising initiatives.

The foundation’s presenter described a multi‑partner elementary performing‑arts program now in its fourth year and aligned to Prop 28 funds. She said Youth in Arts and the district share in program costs so every elementary school receives the same weekly performing‑arts instruction while the district covers visual arts through Prop 28. "Every elementary school is receiving the same level of arts access, regardless of parent fundraising capacity," the presenter said, noting an average 29% reduction in PTA/PTO contributions at sites because of the partnership.

Heads Up reviewed its program budget and recent revenue: it had budgeted $422,000 in May for programming (including $210,000 toward Youth in Arts contributions, $20,000 for middle‑school wellness/enrichment, $80,000 for two high‑school college consultants, and $30,000 for mini‑grants). The presenter said the district’s Schools Rule distribution this year totaled $291,421 and that, over a 14‑year period, Schools Rule distributions to the foundation have exceeded $2 million.

The foundation previewed GivingTuesday plans: two business partners (identified in the presentation as the Dutra Group and Meritas Wealth Management) will contribute $5,000 each as matching funds. Heads Up described a DonorsChoose mini‑grant program for teachers and said last year a $25,000 investment helped fund projects valued at $40,000.

Trustees praised the foundation’s equity emphasis and asked how the foundation and district can better advertise distinct offerings across high schools (CTE pathways, dual‑enrollment and other signature programs). Trustee Lau noted the recent county grant award to the foundation and encouraged continued strategic partnerships.

The presentation concluded with trustees thanking Heads Up and recognizing its work supporting wellness center staff, arts programs and college access services. Heads Up asked trustees to amplify outreach on social media, attend giving events and consider small donations or in‑kind promotion to grow the foundation’s sustained support for district programs.