Schools first is a mindset, a philosophy, a way of life for those who truly believe in the transformative power of education. As someone who has spent years in the trenches of the education system, I’ve seen firsthand how putting schools first can make all the difference.
But what does it really mean to put schools first? Is it just about throwing more money at the problem and hoping for the best? Far from it.
It’s about making a conscious choice to prioritize education above all else, to recognize that the future of our society depends on the quality of our schools and the success of our students.
Curious about what it really takes to prioritize schools? Let’s jump right in.
Table Of Contents:
- What is SchoolsFirst FCU?
- Overview of SchoolsFirst FCU
- Services offered by SchoolsFirst FCU
- Online and mobile banking features
- Retirement Planning with SchoolsFirst FCU
- Importance of retirement planning
- Retirement account options at SchoolsFirst FCU
- Tips for maximizing retirement savings
- SchoolsFirst FCU and Education Funding
- How SchoolsFirst FCU supports public education
- Funding initiatives for schools and districts
- Scholarships and grants for students and educators
- Understanding School Budgets
- Key components of a school budget
- Factors that influence school funding
- How to read and interpret a school budget summary
- The Role of Special Education in Schools
- Conclusion
What is SchoolsFirst FCU?
If you’re an educator in California, chances are you’ve heard of SchoolsFirst FCU.
It’s the largest credit union in the U.S. that serves the educational community, with over $28 billion in assets.
Founded in 1934, SchoolsFirst FCU has a long history of supporting teachers, school employees, and their families.
Overview of SchoolsFirst FCU
Think of a credit union as a bank where the customers are also the owners. They usually offer better deals on things like savings accounts and loans compared to traditional banks. SchoolsFirst FCU stands out by providing excellent savings rates, affordable loan options, and an array of financial tools aimed at supporting teachers.
Services offered by SchoolsFirst FCU
SchoolsFirst FCU offers a wide range of services, from checking and savings accounts to credit cards and mortgages. They also provide investment advice and retirement planning to help you build a secure future. With numerous branches and ATMs available, accessing your money is always convenient.
Online and mobile banking features
In our digital world, having access to online and mobile banking is essential. SchoolsFirst FCU makes it easy with a user-friendly app and website where you can check account balances, deposit checks, pay bills, and more from your phone or computer. With top-notch encryption methods in place, your data stays safe so you can bank worry-free.
Retirement Planning with SchoolsFirst FCU
Being an educator means you’re always focused on helping students succeed. Yet it’s important not to forget about preparing for your own retirement too. Let SchoolsFirst FCU assist with that journey.
Importance of retirement planning
The earlier you start saving for retirement, the better. That’s because compound interest works in your favor over time. Even small contributions can add up to a significant nest egg if you start early and stay consistent.
Experts recommend saving at least 10-15% of your income for retirement, but don’t worry if you can’t hit that target right away. The key is to start somewhere and gradually increase your contribution amount over time.
Retirement account options at SchoolsFirst FCU
SchoolsFirst FCU offers several retirement account options, including Traditional and Roth IRAs, Coverdell Education Savings Accounts, and IRA Certificates. Not sure which one is right for you? Their retirement planner experts can help you choose the best option based on your goals and timeline.
Tips for maximizing retirement savings
Looking to boost your retirement savings? Check out these helpful tips:
- Start early and contribute consistently
- Increase your contribution by 1% each year
- Take advantage of employer-matching contributions
- Diversify your investment portfolio
- Avoid early withdrawals that can incur penalties
SchoolsFirst FCU and Education Funding
SchoolsFirst FCU, started by educators, really cares about public schools. They team up with school districts, local schools, and education foundations to offer money, resources, and volunteer help.
How SchoolsFirst FCU supports public education
To boost education since 2009, SchoolsFirst FCU’s Education Funding Initiative has donated more than $2 million to various projects like upgrading tech equipment or enhancing school buildings as well as supporting extracurricular activities. Besides this direct help to students’ learning environments, they’re actively pushing legislative efforts that secure consistent funding streams for public schools.
Funding initiatives for schools and districts
In addition to giving out grants, SchoolsFirst FCU works closely with school districts by running financial literacy classes and organizing events that honor teachers. They further extend their support by sponsoring community-based education foundations dedicated to aiding local schools.
Scholarships and grants for students and educators
SchoolsFirst FCU offers several scholarship and grant opportunities for students and educators. Their annual College Scholarship Program awards twenty $2,000 scholarships to student members each school year. They also provide Teacher Grants to help educators purchase classroom supplies and fund innovative learning projects.
Understanding School Budgets
Whether you’re a teacher or a parent, getting the hang of your school’s budget can help you fight for what students need. Let’s be honest though—school budgets are often pretty confusing. So, let’s break it down together.
Key components of a school budget
A typical school budget pulls together funding from various levels of government—federal to local. This money pays for things like teacher salaries and their benefits as well as keeping the facilities running smoothly.
It also covers buses and teaching materials. Some schools even allocate part of this budget to special programs such as special education services or support for English language learners.
Factors that influence school funding
School funding depends on many things, like how many students are enrolled, their backgrounds, and local property taxes. Schools with a lot of low-income kids, English learners, or those with disabilities might get extra money. Also, if the number of students changes a lot in a district, it can really affect its budget.
How to read and interpret a school budget summary
If you’re trying to understand your school’s finances, begin by examining the budget summary. It outlines all revenue sources and spending categories at a glance.
Look for key figures such as total income versus expenditures, which can show whether there’s extra cash or not enough funds overall. Make sure you note how much of this proposed budget is set aside for significant costs like staff wages and building maintenance.
The Role of Special Education in Schools
I understand how important it is for public schools to offer quality special education services. Every student with disabilities should receive a proper education that meets their needs while being included in regular classrooms whenever feasible. Schools must step up and ensure they get all the help they need.
Special education includes a range of services like specialized instruction, speech therapy, occupational therapy, and adaptive technology. Teachers and support personnel such as psychologists and speech therapists work hard to cater to each student’s unique needs.
The goal of special education goes beyond academic assistance; it’s also about fostering an inclusive atmosphere, encouraging kids to advocate for themselves confidently, and pushing them toward personal success. Teachers have the responsibility to cultivate inviting spaces where each child feels supported.
Schools need to focus on getting enough funding and resources for special education programs. About 14% of public school students receive special education services under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). These kids should have access to the same chances as everyone else.
Key Takeaway:
SchoolsFirst FCU, a member-owned financial cooperative, offers educators competitive savings rates, low-interest loans, and tailored retirement planning services. They support public education through grants and scholarships while promoting special education programs with adaptive technology funding.
Conclusion
Schools first. It’s a simple concept that has the power to change lives and shape the future. By prioritizing education, investing in our schools, and empowering our educators, we can create a brighter tomorrow for all.
Beyond big goals, it’s really about personal stories and lives changed by quality education. Think of that student ignited by science due to an enthusiastic teacher or that once struggling reader now loving books thanks to a dedicated literacy expert.
So let’s keep fighting the good fight. Let’s keep putting schools first, no matter the obstacles or challenges we may face.
Schools first Because in the end, it’s not just about test scores or rankings. It’s about giving every child the opportunity to reach their full potential and achieve their dreams. And that’s a cause worth fighting for.
Afterschool.org is on a mission to transform what afterschool programming looks like for students. Join the mission by starting a high-quality afterschool program near you.
