2016 community giving profile
Our Mission At Marin Primary & Middle School we make education meaningful, while encouraging pride in self, respect for others, and enthusiasm for learning. we treasure childhood.
We honor and enjoy children’s natural curiosity, competence, and exuberance. we teach to reach children.
Using teams of teachers and educational methods tailored to how children learn best, we connect with our students, build trusting relationships, and make learning relevant, memorable, and fun. we teach children to reach.
Asking not “how smart is the child” but “how is the child smart,” we guide our students to see their full potential, and we equip them to pursue it with passion and purpose. we inspire children to make a difference.
We value academic excellence, personal integrity, and community action and encourage our students to become informed, engaged, and ethical global citizens.
A Letter from Development Chair, Nancy Connery Why we give to MP&MS
With the new school year approaching, it is a wonderful time to sit back and reflect on the 11 years our family has spent at Marin Primary & Middle School. Our oldest started in the Meadow with Chris and Claire, and we now have two middle schoolers, which is especially exciting given the Middle School 2.0 Expansion. Julie Elam has brought the school so far in her 10 years of service, and as we celebrate the everlasting footprint she has made, we look forward to continuing our important work on meaningful new initiatives for MP&MS. The next chapter will bring growth and transformation to our community. The tenacity and grace with which MP&MS is continually evolving is an inspiration, and it is an honor for me to step into a new role as Development Chair, where I will be proactively contributing to the school’s cohesive giving strategy. This encompasses the Annual Fund, Capital Campaign and Auction, each of which provides critical fundraising dollars to help make our school the special place that it is. With the Annual Fund 100 Day Campaign running from September-December, the Capital Campaign running year round and the Auction in April, I encourage you to think about your philanthropic gifts to MP&MS in a way that supports each aspect of giving.
Why do we give? • It strengthens our community and sets an incredible example of generosity for our children, educating them about the importance of philanthropy. • It funds the gap between tuition dollars and general operating costs at the school (Annual Fund). • I t enhances our beautiful campus and paves the way for expansion in the near future. Please join me in supporting the school however you are able. Any gift, small or large, is gratefully accepted. As a Development Team we are here to answer any questions you have and to help you plan your giving in a strategic way that works for your family and MP&MS. Thank you to those who continually support our school, and thank you in advance to those who have just joined our community and will be supporting the wonderful work we do at MP&MS. Warmest gratitude, Nancy Connery Development Chair, Board of Trustees (Hailey, seventh grade, Morgan, fifth grade)
An Update from Director of Finance, David Brown
With the milestone of our 40th anniversary behind us and pivotal developments well underway based on the 2015 Strategic Plan, this is an exciting and momentous time at Marin Primary & Middle School. The past year was one of our strongest, with growing enrollment and solid finances underlying the school’s long-term stability and supporting opportunities for future growth. As we move into the 20162017 school year, there is much excitement about our Middle School 2.0 program, construction of the new science labs and middle school restrooms, and the search for next head of school to follow Julie Elam in July 2017. The school’s attention to financial sustainability and careful stewardship
of resources has been critical to our success and continues to be at the center of our long-term planning as we support and enhance a dynamic, ever-improving program for our students. Sound finances are important to us, and we ensure this by following approved processes and procedures for all financial transactions. Controls are in place to make sure that every dollar is accounted for properly, and these controls are reviewed regularly to maintain best practices. Regular financial reports are made to the Board through monthly Finance Committee meetings during the school year. These
Strong Operating Controls 1%
operating expenses
1. Salaries, benefits, and payroll taxes
$ 6,748,099
70 %
100,016
1%
3. Operating
1,491,710
15 %
4. Facilities
1,337,981
14 %
2. Professional development
14% 15%
70% total
$ 9,677,806
100 %
operating expenses
reports highlight variances between our budget (approved annually by the Board) and actual revenue and spending. We close our books on June 30th each year and go through an independent audit by an outside accounting firm (this year, Hood & Strong) that tests our processes and controls. The auditor reports directly back to the Board though the Audit and Finance Committees. MP&MS’s operating results for the year ended June 30, 2016, were favorable with our budget. The school generated total unrestricted revenue of $10.0M, primarily from tuition and fee revenue of $8.6M ($9.6M of gross revenue less $1.0M of tuition assistance). In addition, the school raised $0.6M in unrestricted contributions and more than $0.8M in restricted gifts for our capital campaign. These gifts are critical in meeting our programmatic and financial goals each year. Total expenses for the year were $9.7M, primarily consisting of salaries and benefits which represented 70% of total expenses. The school ended the year with $23.7M in assets, up 6.7% over the prior year end. Assets were primarily cash and cash equivalents of $8.2M and facilities (net of accumulated depreciation) of $11.6M. Total liabilities on June 30, 2016, were $17.2M, up just 1.9% from a year ago. Deferred tuition
is the largest liability (it becomes revenue in the new school year as the school delivers its program) at $8.8M. A note payable of just less than $2.5M for the Schoolyard Project and our long-term lease obligation for the campus of $3.9M are the largest parts of our liabilities. Net assets for the year rose to $6.5M from $5.4M a year ago. Among the critical factors contributing to long-term financial success are strong enrollment and the continued building of financial reserves. The launch of the middle school expansion provides an unparalleled opportunity for program enhancement and increased financial stability. Based on the strength of enrollment and robust fundraising, we will continue to fund the best program for our students while also building key financial reserves. We are confident that MP&MS is on a judicious and pragmatic path to meet its long-term strategic planning efforts. As we look ahead to the school’s future, we know that the generous support of our entire community will continue to play an important role. Gifts from our charitable donors are essential to the exceptional programs and singular atmosphere at MP&MS. The contributions made today will have an invaluable and lasting impact on MP&MS for years to come.
3%
operating revenue
1. Tuition & fees
$ 9,597,226
96 %
2. Auxiliary programs
339,088
3%
3. Operating gifts
580,848
6%
4. Released from restrictions
112,595
1%
5. Other income
413,761
4%
6. Less tuition assistance
-1,046,360
-10 %
total
$9,997,158
100 %
4% 6% 1% 96%
operating revenue
MP&MS Timeline
1975
1981
1991
Marin Primary opened its doors with four children and seven teachers at its first location, the Lutheran Church on Meadowsweet Drive in Corte Madera
The preschool moved to two existing portables on the Larkspur Corte Madera school site (where the music and art studios are currently located). The original portable buildings were demolished and the steel beams that held up the old buildings were used by a parent to create the ‘boy on a bike’ sculpture that became the school’s first logo.
The middle school was established and Marin Primary’s official name became Marin Primary & Middle School.
2008 All interior hallways were renovated with new skylights and lighting, carpeting, new doorways and signage, and ADA compliant restrooms in each building. The preschool kitchen was renovated and new restrooms added for children and adults.
2014 The Schoolyard Project brought a significant renovation of the outdoor campus, improvements to the multipurpose room, and the addition of a beautiful amphitheater.
2016 Middle School 2.0 begins the expansion of the middle school to 45 students per grade (sixth-eighth), starting with sixth grade, the introduction of a departmentalized model, and a sevenday rotating schedule for primary and middle school which provides flexibility for a dynamic curriculum. Two new science labs and new restroom facilities are completed in the middle school. MS 2.0 incorporates 21st century skills and creates new and efficient spaces with the flexibility to meet the needs of — and foster collaboration between — students and teachers.
2007 The first project in the school’s Master Plan safely enclosed the campus with beautiful wooden fencing and new signage, and a new toddler playground was added in the front.
– Liz & Danny Dias donor profile
Giving to MP&MS is a reflection of Liz and Danny Dias’s belief in the excellence of the education their children receive. Their donations are an investment in the exceptional MP&MS learning experience, which their family refers to as “magical.”
launched a career in finance. With their keen passion for learning and for finding solutions to complex problems, they wanted to find a creative educational environment that would be as strong academically as it would be in building character and promoting social and emotional learning. “We had hoped MP&MS would be a great fit for our family and our kids individually, and after the first few months we knew we could not ask for more. We feel deeply grateful,” Liz expresses.
When Liz and Danny Dias were looking at schools for their children, they struggled with all the options. “We agonized over public vs. private, urban vs. rural, big vs. small and coed vs. single sex. When we toured Marin Primary, the school spoke to us,” says Liz. They made the decision to enroll their two children, Daphne (Barn) and Ollie (kindergarten) at Marin Primary & Middle School because they responded instinctively to MP&MS’s mission to make education meaningful, engender empathy, and promote enthusiasm for learning Having both completed undergraduate studies at Harvard, Liz went on to pursue a Masters in History, while Danny
Liz and Danny both recognize that giving back to the community is an important part of participating in their children’s education. “Daphne and Ollie now see school as something magical,” they remark, “and we want to do as much as we can to foster their love for the school.” So as a demonstration of their commitment to the community and to their children, they’ve become loyal and generous donors and volunteers. With Liz teaching full time in the history department at Drew School, and Danny co-founder and CEO of Lightkeeper LLC, the family still finds time for adventuring, making pancakes, and volunteering at MP&MS. This year, Liz will take on the role of HRP for kindergarten, while Danny will serve on the Finance Committee. “We’re thrilled to be part of the school community at MP&MS and more than happy to do our part to help build the future of this school that is so loved.”
Giving At-a-Glance starting in september
Annual Fund
– 100 days
The Annual Fund is the cornerstone of fundraising at MP&MS and relies on the generosity of current parents, alumni, trustees, employees, grandparents, and friends. Along with tuition, the Annual Fund supports the day-to-day operations of the school and keeps tuition as affordable as possible. Annual Fund dollars make it possible for us to attract and retain the best faculty, provide professional development opportunities for our staff, fund programs in art, athletics, and music, and purchase classroom materials, information technology, and other equipment. Our goal is to achieve 100% participation in the first 100 days of school!
REACH
Contributions provide art supplies, musical instruments, tools, costumes, and equipment.
Donations ensure each class is equipped with up-to-date educational materials.
INSPIRE
december-march
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Annual Auction The annual auction, hosted by the MP&MS Parents Association, is the school’s premier fundraising event and provides a valuable contribution to both the school’s annual operating budget and fund-in-need campaign. Each year, the MP&MS community comes together to contribute the time, money, and resources necessary to produce this amazing fundraiser. It is always a wonderful night out for all who attend and a broader celebration of our students, faculty, and staff. Support and participation from our community for the silent, online, and live auctions, as well as sponsorships and underwriting, help to make this event a success.
all year
Capital Campaign A capital campaign is an intensive fundraising effort designed to meet the long-term needs of an organization. These needs can include the construction of new buildings, renovation of
7
existing buildings, acquisition of equipment, and additions to endowment. Capital projects address the fact that exceptional teaching must take place with excellent tools, including classrooms that accommodate the latest technology as well as enough space to climb, play, learn, and gather outdoors. The MP&MS Master Plan includes a new science lab and future projects for additional classrooms, expanded art studio space, and a new multipurpose community building.
Gifts help MP&MS stay current with the latest advances in technology and provide necessary upgrades.
TREASURE
INNOVATE
Your gift ensures our low studentteacher ratio. all year
Volunteer Leadership Volunteerism is key to the ongoing success of MP&MS. It is an invaluable contribution through the gift of time and talent, Gifts help us invest in the equipment, library materials, and classroom resources necessary to deliver our curriculum.
builds community, and provides an important example for
GROW
our students. We offer a variety of options for volunteering, from services that require short-term commitments to projects that span the whole school year both on campus and in the greater community. As our children see parents, grandparents, and alumni give generously of their time and talent, they learn the importance of giving back and becoming involved in their community.
– Emily D’Aniello and Abdi Tajbakhsh donor profile
Emily D’Aniello and Abdi Tajbakhsh are dedicated MP&MS parents who can speak directly to how an investment in MP&MS has become an investment in their sons and their sense of community.
successful Caring Closet initiative to help provide clothing to children in West Marin. The self-confidence and drive that both children display, Emily and Abdi believe, has been deeply influenced by the quality of the atmosphere at MP&MS. “One thing that always strikes me is the depth of knowledge each teacher has of my children and their unique personalities, their likes and dislikes, how they operate, how they perceive, how they feel,” Emily says. “This Like all MP&MS families, Emily D’Aniello and Abdi Tajbakhsh set
always blows me away; you don’t get that anywhere else. It
out to find the best school for their sons, Anthony and Teddy.
really leads to them being confident kids because they are
Superior academics were expected, but equally important
known and they feel safe.”
was a well-rounded environment. “We chose Marin Primary & Middle School because it offers so much more for the whole
Abdi often helps out in the classroom, while Emily has served
child,” recalls Emily. “I had a great feeling about MP&MS from
on the PA board and currently sits on several development
the beginning,” says Abdi. “I knew we had discovered exactly
committees. They discuss why giving back to the school is an
what we were looking for — top-quality academics with a
important cause to them. “Coming into an independent school,
big focus on treasuring childhood, the arts, service, and the
I didn’t have a full grasp of the gap that exists between the cost
community.” Emily elaborates, “MP&MS felt welcoming, warm,
to educate each child and the income received from tuition.
and genuine. And they really walk the walk. When our boys
MP&MS wants to keep tuition as reasonable as possible while
actually started attending, it was exactly what we thought we
providing a top-notch educational experience,” says Emily. And
were walking into. There was a sense of truth about it, and they
while she suspects some parents may initially wonder why the
delivered on everything we had expected.”
school solicits donations, she believes it’s important for them to understand this discrepancy and know that all gifts are
With Teddy now in first grade and Anthony in fourth grade,
welcome. “Once we became aware of what was needed, it felt
both children have taken full advantage of the breadth of
very important to us to find ways to give — whether that was
MP&MS’s offerings. Anthony has also immersed himself in the
to the Annual Fund or the Auction or any other campaigns. Our
MP&MS service mission, joining a small group of classmates
contributions have a lasting impact, they help the school stay
joining a small group of classmates to lead an ambitious and
competitive, and they make us who we are.”
“I LIKE THAT ALL THE TEACHERS KNOW MY NAME.”
“I LIKE BEING ABLE TO USE THE 3D PRINTER TO MAKE MY IDEAS COME TO LIFE.”
“I LOVE MY TEACHERS!”
“I‘M NOT AFRAID OF PUBLIC SPEAKING AND PRESENTATIONS ANYMORE.”
“I FEEL TOTALLY PREPARED FOR HIGH SCHOOL.”
Marin Primary & Middle School 20 Magnolia Avenue Larkspur, CA 94939
ways to give Cash, Check, or Credit Card
Online
Gifts of cash, typically payable by check, and credit card are tax-deductible and provide immediate funds to the school. The easiest way to give is online. Checks should be mailed to:
Giving online is easy and secure. We accept donations online using any major credit card at www.mpms.org.
Marin Primary & Middle School Office of Development 20 Magnolia Avenue Larkspur CA 94939
Pledge A pledge is a commitment to make a gift. By letting us know in the fall that we can count on your support this year, we can budget accordingly and ensure that all of our programs and activities are fully funded. Pledges can be paid any time before the end of our fiscal year on June 30, 2017 and can be paid on a monthly basis.
Recurring Gifts Recurring gifts are an easy way to make a big impact that works for your budget and schedule. Set up your gift one time, and it will automatically be deducted from your credit card on a monthly basis.
Gifts of Stock Gifts of appreciated securities and stocks allow the donor to receive a tax deduction for the stock’s current market value and avoid capital gains tax on the appreciation. For instructions on how your broker can transfer stock to MP&MS, please contact the Development Office, at development@mpms.org.