As a member of the Bloomingdale PTA Tricky Tray Committee, I would like to share some information about our 2024 Tricky Tray Fundraiser. This event is our most significant fundraising opportunity, and its outcome plays an integral part in our school district’s ability to go beyond the curriculum, inspiring and encouraging our students with other engaging activities and providing support and recognition.

We’re a small school district comprised of three buildings and just over 600 students. Our district’s revenue is primarily funded by community taxpayers contributing 76.5% of the annual budget. We receive 7.1% federal funding and just 5.2% from the state, a decrease of more than $700,000 over the last five years. Unfortunately, our fundraising efforts don’t begin to put a dent in this loss of revenue, but every dollar does help. That’s why we are asking for your support.

The proceeds from this event are vital to provide needed educational programs and purchase many items that enable academic enrichment for our children. Last year's event helped pay for new water fountain filtration systems in all three schools, recess equipment, and Chromecast TVs, as well as enhanced our educational arts program, to name a few things.