Here's a question about how PiE works for our schools. I thought PiE was set up for equitable distribution of funds across the district on a standard dollar per student - so far so good, seems fair... so in the example of the proceeds for the B&W ball, I assume they divide the proceeds (ie $10,800), by the # of students (ie 10,800) and will give a flat dollar per student times the number of students at each school... (ie $1 x 400 students = $400 for school#1)

But what happens with Choice programs? If you have Alternative programs that get hefty private funding (either through direct parent contributions, Grants, Private donations from special interest organizations, etc.) which bumps their per student spending well over average district per pupil spending to start with, then I presume they also share in the PTA efforts at that schools, do they ALSO get a share of the PIE funds? How is that equitable education?

So we've got specialty programs that get better incremental funding, PTA support, then they get smaller class sizes, AND they also get their 'fair share' of PIE? Any thoughts on this? Is there financial reporting on our existing Choice programs going on? How does this work? For example, do we know how much incremental per student funding Hoover, Ohlone or Spanish Immersion have? And sources for those funds? And what they're being used for?

Why is this a fair funding model? I think once a program decides its going to be an alternative program, then it needs to drop out of the PIE funding food chain? Or needs to be held to basic district funding sources if it wants to get PIE funding. One or the other, but it should get to be both ways?

I don't feel like contributing to PIE until I understand how this works. Exactly.

I do agree with you entirely, but I think you thoughts will become lost on this thread and if you want to generate good discussion, I recommend that you start a thread yourself on this topic and we can see just what people think.

Wasn't the Black and White Ball a lot bigger years ago. How can we make that happen again? I never even read about it.
Did the local paper cover it? They need to tell the community when an event like this is happening. How did they market the event?

It was promoted in back to school stuff, in posters all around town, banners, etc.

Hi folks,

I was unable to attend this year and to answer an above-post, one year I remember, that was just ausomely fantastic, was when the Dobbie Brothers play.

I can't remember what year, about 5 or 6 years ago. They played for the Palo Alto Black and White Ball at the SAP buildings off of Hillview Avenue. I do recall that some folks complained that the food wasn't served hot enough, however, to be so close - right up at the stage - and to hear them play their hits, looking at them in the eye. Dang, that was something I'll always remember. And the price then was $100.

If we are able to secure a popular local group, like, say, Tower of Power (or the Dobbie Brothers again), I bet that, no matter where the location, it would sell out.

But of course, I remember the $2.50 - 3.50 tickets to see groups like that at Frost Ampletheatre in the late '60s early '70s.

Maybe the company, formerly Bill Graham Presents, could be contacted far in advance to find what popular bands might be available.

Andy Freedman

Why does the PA Daily Society page not have any pictures of Asians at the Black and White Ball? And why was Dana Tom and his wife left out of the mentions?

Curious

Give me a break - I hope you don't go through life like that.