02/24/2026
As we continue to ensure that all expenditures remain fully aligned with IRS guidelines for a 501(c)(3) organization, we would like to take a moment to address ongoing concerns and highlight the significant impact our group achieved during the brief three months we were fully operational. Our goal now, as it has always been, is to support the teachers and staff at Sunset Hill. That commitment remains unchanged.
In that limited timeframe, we were able to provide meaningful support across multiple areas of the school community. Our contributions included:
• Meals for teachers and staff during professional development days and conference nights
• Lost and found racks and cubbies
• Recess sports equipment and storage racks
• Supplies and materials for Bronco Club
• Over $500 in consumable materials for the art department
• A comparable donation of consumable goods and games for Bronco Club
• Construction paper distributed to all teachers
• Microwaves, snacks, beverages, and school supplies for the teacher lounge at the start of the year
• Over $500 in materials for the Functional Skills classrooms
• A substantial donation of needed items to the school nurse
Many of these purchases were funded directly through PTSO resources, and a significant number of additional items were personally donated by PTSO members.
Additionally, proceeds from multiple restaurant fundraiser nights, as well as the school store, were retained by the school and deposited into its activity account. The combined total of these funds exceeded $1,500 and remains with the school to support campus initiatives.
At the administration’s request to continue Popcorn Fridays on short notice after the PTSO was no longer operating within the school, the PTSO purchased a new popcorn machine along with all necessary supplies to sustain the program for the remainder of the school year. We were glad to fulfill this request to ensure continuity for students and staff.
In addition to reflecting on what has already been accomplished, we would also like to outline our plans moving forward.
Site administration did provide us with a list of requested items. Several items on that list are feasible and within our scope, and we do intend to provide support in those areas, including butcher paper, raincoats, construction paper, and UFLI boards.
However, there were also requests that fall outside the practical scope and capacity of our organization. These include furniture purchases (which typically require district coordination and specifications), color printer ink (district-provided), bus transportation charges (which cannot be prepaid in the same manner as physical goods), iPads and other technology devices (regulated and supplied through the district), a marquee sign (estimated at over $50,000), and playground shade structures (also exceeding $50,000 and beyond our overall budget).
While we are committed to incorporating the reasonable and feasible portions of the administration’s request, we also believe it is important to hear directly from teachers and staff. We are aware that not all teachers were consulted in the development of the original list supplied to us by the administration. To ensure equity and transparency, the grant applications will provide an opportunity for all Sunset Hill teachers and employees to submit requests reflecting their most pressing needs.
Following the submission process, we will meet to review all requests and allocate remaining resources in a manner that is fair, equitable, and aligned with our mission and budgetary limitations.
Once all funds have been distributed, a full financial accounting will be prepared by The Community Firm and made available for review by the school community.
We remain committed to responsible stewardship, transparency, and supporting Sunset Hill in meaningful and sustainable ways.
