Community Support Helps SPEF Reach Historic $1 Million Milestone for South Pasadena Schools

The South Pasadena Educational Foundation is preparing to achieve a milestone that reflects decades of community investment in local public education.

For the first time in its history, the nonprofit organization expects to provide more than $1 million in support to the South Pasadena Unified School District, according to SPEF President Rob Clyde.

“That’ll be the first time ever that SPEF has given over a million dollars to our schools,” Clyde said.

Known throughout the city by its familiar orange lawn signs, SPEF raises money through annual giving campaigns, special events, educational programs and community enrichment activities. The organization supports all five schools in the district — three elementary schools, South Pasadena Middle School and South Pasadena High School — while also serving as a communications hub that helps keep parents and residents informed about educational initiatives and opportunities throughout the school community.

Among the foundation’s most visible contributions are teacher grants. Last year, SPEF awarded more than $140,000 directly to educators across the district through approximately 100 grants. Teachers submit proposals that are reviewed by their principals and the SPEF board before funding is awarded.

“That is a definite difference maker,” Clyde said. “Our teachers are so supported by our parents.”

In addition to classroom grants, SPEF funding has helped support academic pathways in fields such as biomedical science, engineering and broadcast journalism, as well as performing arts programs, science field trips and other educational opportunities throughout the district.

The foundation also operates South Pasadena’s summer school and enrichment programs, which have become a staple for many local families. Clyde said the programs generate the largest share of SPEF’s annual revenue and account for roughly half of the organization’s profits, making them one of the organization’s most important sources of funding for local schools.

“When you sign your kid up for summer school, there’s a direct portion of that that goes right into the South Pasadena schools,” he said.

SPEF works closely with district leadership to identify areas where private fundraising can supplement public education funding. Clyde described the relationship as one built on trust and collaboration, with the foundation helping fill funding gaps and support projects that might otherwise be difficult to finance. He noted that South Pasadena Unified is among California districts that face ongoing funding challenges under the state’s school-finance system, making community support particularly important.

One example of SPEF’s impact was the purchase of an Anatomage Table, a life-sized digital anatomy system used in the district’s biomedical program. Clyde said the technology allows students to work with digital human cadavers and provides advanced learning opportunities for students pursuing studies in science and health-related fields.

As the organization celebrates its record year of giving, leaders are also looking ahead. This year, SPEF launched a new endowment initiative designed to encourage legacy giving and create new opportunities for donors to direct support toward specific educational programs and priorities, helping build a sustainable source of future funding for South Pasadena schools.

Community fundraising continues to play a major role in that effort. In May, SPEF’s annual Party Gras fundraiser generated more than $350,000 in a single evening. The event, themed “Palm Royale,” featured restaurants, spirit vendors, auctions and community celebrations that brought together supporters from throughout the city.

Clyde also pointed to the district’s continued academic success, including South Pasadena Middle School’s recent designation as a California Distinguished School. While he credited school leaders, educators and students for the achievement, he said SPEF’s financial support helps provide resources that contribute to educational excellence across the district.

The foundation’s board is composed entirely of parent volunteers representing schools throughout the district, a structure Clyde said helps keep SPEF closely connected to the needs of students, families and educators.

For Clyde, the foundation’s success reflects the broader values of the South Pasadena community.

“People move to South Pasadena for the schools, but they stay for the community,” he said. “This year, that community commitment will allow SPEF to provide more than $1 million to our public schools for the first time in our history. It’s a powerful reminder that when a community invests in its students, everyone benefits—not just today’s families, but future generations of South Pasadena residents as well.”

More information about the South Pasadena Educational Foundation is available at SPEF4Kids.org.