Teachers Express Support for Track Attack Fund Allocation

For anyone familiar with Lincoln Charter, they are also undoubtedly aware of Track Attack. The need for funds is made bluntly apparent to any parent or student associated with Lincoln Charter. LCS's annual fundraiser had a goal of $95,000 this year and ultimately ended up raising $103,123.

Aside from fundraising, Track Attack as a whole is a day focused on activities for students and a 5k for anyone wanting to participate. This day is greatly anticipated with student volleyball games and bounce houses, but one must wonder: where is the money truly going?

Contributions

To directly answer the question of where Track Attack funds are going, the PTO has made a list publicly available. The catalog of contributions includes teacher grants, New Parent Coffee, Honor Roll recognition, staff Appreciation, music programs, Muffins with Mom, Donuts with Dad, Goodies with Grandparents, new turf for the playgrounds, "GaGa pit", Chromebooks, theater grants, "green environmental upgrades", student activities, and PTO operating expenses.

When considering this list, it is clear there is a certain vagueness within it. For example, "green environmental upgrades" are listed but with no additional information or direction. "PTO Operating expenses" is also another notably vague category, with parentheses indicating that the money is used for "website, taxes, general supplies, etc."

Although, this vagueness is not a problem for everyone, with Mr. Bonuccelli stating, "I really don't have an opinion about money as long as it's not wasted." Despite some noticeably ambiguous categories, Track Attack fundraising undeniably directly benefits our school in many ways, particularly the aforementioned teacher grants.

Staff Grants

In fact, many teachers only have positive things to say about the list of contributions. Primarily, many voices support the $300 to $400 grants offered to teachers every year.

Mr. Watson describes, "Teachers are given funds to use for their classrooms and if there is money left at the end of the year, and there always is, they're allowed to apply for grants." When asked if he personally uses the money, Mr. Watson stated, "I never use the money so it's available for the grants at the end of the year." When asked why he doesn't use the grants to decorate his classroom, Mr. Watson states, "What do I need for this?"

Mr. Watson's classroom.

Similarly, Mr. Bonuccelli stated, "I am actually probably one of the only teachers that doesn't use my money. The only time I've used the money was to buy my chair." However, Mr. Bonuccelli is mostly alone in this regard, with other teachers expressing gratitude for the funds allocated to them every year from Track Attack.

Mr. Bonuccelli's chair bought using Track Attack funds.

Mr. Dooley, when asked if he uses the three hundred dollars every year, stated, "One hundred percent yes. All of it." Mr. Dooley expressed great appreciation for the teacher grants, as they allow him to buy new materials for his classroom to improve students' experiences each year. Mr. Dooley stated, "They could give me one hundred dollars and I'd be happy. I'd be ecstatic."

Coach Clark added additional insight, "I wish you could carry it over to the next year. Sometimes there are things you need a little more money to buy." A sentiment that was popular with many teachers featured in this article, but is really the only complaint held by any of them. Coach Clark continued to say, "Everybody uses it for something they need in the classroom, but before, teachers would have to pay that out of their pocket."

Mr. Dooley appreciating the staff grants.

Despite criticisms from parents or even students, Track Attack's fund allocation is seemingly approved by many teachers at Lincoln Charter. Particularly, the teacher grants funded by Track Attack are an unsung hero to many educators who are trying to improve their classrooms for students every year.

Parents and companies can be proud to donate and know that their money is being used to directly benefit the school year after year.