The Plaza commemorates the creation of the BCE Endowment Fund and the major donors who made it possible.
We are thrilled to announce that the Burlingame School District (BSD) Board of Trustees has approved the building of a new BCE Endowment Donor Recognition Plaza. The Plaza will celebrate the creation of the BCE Endowment Fund and the Founders Circle donors who helped establish it.
BCE Endowment Fund Founders Circle donors who have made an investment of $10,000 or more (including multi-year pledges) will be recognized in perpetuity in the Donor Plaza.
"This Endowment creates financial stability in perpetuity -- forever -- for the BCE grant that supports BSD public schools. The only way to have an Endowment like our peer school districts was to just get started. I am so proud of this community! We are nearing our $2 million fundraising goal. Become a Founders Circle member and help us get to the finish line." Sari McConnell, BCE Endowment Trustee.
As we approach our first Endowment milestone of $2M of gifts and pledges, the Founders Circle Campaign is nearing its end. Don't miss your opportunity to join the Founders Circle and be recognized in perpetuity in the BCE Donor Plaza.
The Plaza will break ground in Spring 2025 as part of larger landscape and irrigation work being done to improve and beautify BIS.
The Founders Circle Campaign will close on December 31, 2024. Join us by making your Founders Circle level donation (or multi year pledge) before the end of the calendar year.
"We feel so lucky to have moved here and treasure great memories of neighbors, teachers and friends being a positive force in our family’s life. We gave to the BCE Endowment to honor everyone in Burlingame who helped shape our children’s values and character. Future generations deserve to thrive in our amazing community, just as we did, from the contributions of families that came before us." - Jennifer Vancini and Ray Kruck
The Plaza will be located outside of the Burlingame Intermediate School (BIS) Auditorium, in a wonderful nod to the impact BCE has had on Burlingame school's music and arts programs since its founding in 1981. Over the years, BCE funding has supported the hiring of credentialed music teachers, offering BSD students a variety of music experiences like choir, band, orchestra, ukulele, jazz band and the BIS Musical. The Plaza will become a natural gathering place outside of BIS.
Commonly Asked Questions
What is the BCE Endowment Fund?
Established in 2017 by a passionate group of BSD parents, the BCE Endowment Fund was created to be a source of permanent financial stability supporting the needs of future generations of Burlingame public school students. Designed to work in concert with BCE’s Annual Fund, the BCE Endowment is a permanent, self-sustaining fund where the principal is invested and all or part of the earnings may be used to help support the costs of Burlingame School District programs and goals in a given year. In years where annual fundraising falls short or state funding is less, the Endowment Fund can help fill the gap ensuring more consistency.
Our great public schools are a key reason that Burlingame is such a desirable place to live. Our schools contribute to strong property values, local businesses, and our vibrant community. BCE’s Endowment Fund is our community's commitment to educational excellence and the long term success of our Burlingame schools and community.
How is the endowment different from the annual campaign?
Funds raised by The Annual Campaign are given to the Burlingame School District each year to pay for current essential programs that state funding does not cover. The Annual Campaign supports PE specialists, music, performing arts, world languages, additional teachers, professional development to ensure they are sustained from year-to-year. Contributions made to the BCE Endowment Fund, on the other hand, are invested so they have longevity.
Should I support the annual campaign and/or the endowment?
Every year, BCE fundraises to support the annual campaign and those donations are put to work immediately to benefit the next school year. The annual grant pays for ~5% of BSD's annual budget and funds teachers/programs not paid for by state funds. Current BSD families, are asked to donate the recommended per student ask of $2000/student or more annually if they are able. Some choose to donate at the Scholars Circle Level ($4000+ annually) or Leadership Circle Level ($10,000+ annually).
Those donors interested in having a longer term impact on the Burlingame School District may also consider donating to and/or making a multi year pledge to the endowment. For current BSD families, this may be in addition to an annual campaign contribution. Everyone is welcomed and encouraged to make a donation to the annual campaign and endowment fund should they be interested in supporting stronger Burlingame schools now and in the future.
Can I donate to the Endowment Fund after December 31, 2024?
Yes. You can donation to the Endowment Fund at any time. If you would like to be recognized as a Founders Circle Donor and be recognized in perpetuity in the BCE Donor Plaza, your donation and/or multi year pledge must be made by December 31st.
How will the Endowment Donor Plaza be funded?
The Donor Plaza will be funded with Measure O Bond funds. Funds were already allocated to be used for landscaping and irrigation improvements at BIS. See May 2024 and August 2024 BSD board meeting agenda topics for additional details.
What does recognized in perpetuity mean?
Founders Circle Donors will be recognized with their name on a brick in the BCE Donor Plaza. Brick size based on donation level and exact placement is being worked on this fall. Additional details will be available in Nov/Dec 2024. Pledges must be 50% fulfilled before public recognition will be given.
We'd love to connect.
Please contact us at endowment@bcefoundation.org or (650) 766-8969 if you’d like to speak or meet with us about making a gift to the BCE Endowment Fund.