September 2005
  
Foundation Launches New Website

The ESEF launched its new website this fall. The new site has been completely redesigned both visually and functionally, and it now includes more information about the Foundation, its programs, and how your money supports El Segundo schools and school children. Thanks to photographer Marcy Dugan the new site is "personalized" with a photograph of an El Segundo student on each page header.


Save the Date for the ESEF Fundraiser at McCormick & Schmick's

The biennial fundraising gala at McCormick & Schmick's will be held on February 27, 2006. Don't forget to SAVE THE DATE for this festive event, a favorite among Foundation supporters.
Fostering Excellence in Education

Last spring the Academic Performance Index (API) announced its 2004 results which ranked the schools in the El Segundo Unified School District (ESUSD) 10th out of 50 unified school districts in Los Angeles County. The API is calculated based on the results of standardized tests taken each spring by California's 2nd through 11th graders. While the ESUSD is encouraged by
its 10th place ranking, the District has set a goal to improve its API ranking to at least 5th place by 2009. To help ESUSD reach this goal, the El Segundo Educational Foundation has pledged to grant $300,000 in the 2005-2006 school year for improvements in technology, writing, and K-12 art and music.
Small Business/Big Impact for ESEF

The El Segundo Educational Foundation is fortunate to have dedicated Corporate Partners who provide substantial time and resources to the Foundation and the children of El Segundo. Some of ESEF's Corporate Partners represent international companies. There are also a handful of local companies who stand shoulder-to-shoulder with the large corporations in dedicating time and money to support public schools in El Segundo.

ESEF Chairman Richard Lundquist is President of Continental Development Corporation, a family-owned real estate development company that has grown with the City of El Segundo over the last 43 years. "Our Continental Park in El Segundo is home to businesses that employ close to 10,000 people," states Lundquist. "Hundreds of those people live in El Segundo and have children that go to El Segundo schools. I believe that local businesses have a civic obligation to help make this city a great place to live--and that starts with having great schools." This year Continental Development donated $50,000 to ESEF, prompting the creation of a Diamond giving level at $25,000 and above.