what we do

ONE bridges the gap between what the public funding covers and what our students truly need.

In partnership with Parents’ Clubs and the broader Orinda community, including school families, alumni, and local businesses, ONE raises the funds that sustain the programs and staff essential to an exceptional education.

From smaller class sizes to STEAM and technology, wellness centers, electives, and expanded high school offerings, ONE’s grants directly fund what sets Orinda’s schools apart.

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WHY FUNDRAISING IS ESSENTIAL

WHY FUNDRAISING IS essential

Excellence in Orinda’s public schools isn’t guaranteed - it’s funded.

California ranks near the bottom nationally in per-student public education funding. Orinda receives among the least in the state. As costs rise and state support lags, a growing shortfall threatens the quality of education in our schools.

That’s why ONE exists: to bridge the gap.

Each year, we work with our school districts to identify exactly what’s at risk. ONE’s grants, built directly into district budgets, fund teachers, academic counselors, electives, supplies, and services that would otherwise be reduced or eliminated.

For the 2025-26 school year, ONE must raise $5.7 million to meet the needs of all six Orinda public schools.

Our schools are a cornerstone of Orinda’s identity. Preserving that excellence depends on all of us.

how funding works

Public education in Orinda is funded through a combination of state dollars, local parcel taxes, bond measures, and community fundraising - each with a distinct and limited role.

STATE FUNDING
California provides only a portion of basic education costs, and Orinda receives some of the lowest funding in the state.

PARCEL TAXES
Approved by Orinda voters, parcel taxes help fund teacher salaries. These dollars are vital but restricted.

BOND MEASURES

Bond funds are designated for facility upgrades and maintenance. They cannot be used for programs, personnel, or classroom resources.

ONE FUNDRAISING
ONE raises private dollars from school families, community members, and local businesses to fund the people and programs that public dollars don’t cover.

This support isn’t supplemental, it’s essential to delivering the well-rounded, high-quality education Orinda schools are known for.

"It takes an entire community to educate our students, and Orinda exemplifies that model. Our schools and our students benefit from the tremendous generosity of our highly engaged community to ensure that we offer education at the highest level. OUSD is grateful for the incredible partnership with ONE and the Orinda community.”

-- Aida Glimme, Superintendent

Orinda Union School District

Photo of OIS students using computers to work on yearbook

ONE Dollars At Work

Orinda’s excellence is powered by community giving. ONE dollars fund the people, programs, and opportunities that transform classrooms, spark curiosity, and support every student, TK - 12.

ONE DOLLARS AT WORK

Elementary Schools

DEL REY, GLORIETTA, SLEEPY HOLLOW, WAGNER RANCH

ACADEMIC PROGRAMS & INSTRUCTION

Funded TK-3 class size reduction for more individualized instruction
Provided instructional aides all grade levels
Delivered art, music, and PE instruction at every school
Supported librarians and Teacher on Special Assignment (TOSA) roles

STUDENT ACADEMIC SUPPORT

Supplied classroom and library books, art materials, and hands-on learning tools
Funded classroom and schoolwide supplies
Supported enrichment events, including STEAM Expo, Maker Faire, Science Fair, and Math Night
Provided recess enrichment materials to promote creativity and movement

TEACHER & STAFF SUPPORT

Funded professional development opportunities for staff

STUDENT WELLNESS & BELONGING

Maintained Wellness Center and counselor access at every school
Supported programs promoting inclusion, emotional well-being, and student connection

“The experiences offered through our STEAM Lab allows our students to stretch their thinking as well as provide them with an opportunity to collaborate with others on a task that may or may not prove successful, which gives students a chance to practice perseverance, patience, and flexibility. Students often choose to enter the STEAM Lab during recess, working on a variety of intriguing projects. Opening the STEAM Lab has changed the landscape at Sleepy Hollow as we find ourselves looking forward to going to the lab, enjoying the experience once we are in the lab, and referencing our learning after we have left the lab. It serves as an integral part of our campus for everyone from TK all the way to fifth grade. The 4 C's: Critical Thinking, Communication, Collaboration, and Creativity are put into practice in the STEAM Lab every day.”

-- Patsy Templeton, Sleepy Hollow Principal

Orinda Intermediate School (OIS)

ACADEMIC PROGRAMS & INSTRUCTION

Funded 27 elective courses funded, including Foreign Languages, Music, Art, Drama, Public Speaking & Debate, Ceramics, Chorus, KOIS Video Production, Leadership, Maker Space & Woodwork, Robotics, and Yearbook
Maintained full 1:1 technology access
Funded a librarian to support literacy, research skills, and academic enrichment
Provided math and STEAM instructional coaching
Supplied core academic materials for all subjects

STUDENT ACADEMIC SUPPORT

Funded technology upgrades and academic software
Supported professional development to enhance instruction

STUDENT ACTIVITIES & ENRICHMENT

Supported Lunchtime Clubs and Sports, including Page-Turners Reading Club, Pickleball, Basketball, Knitting & Embroidery, Green Team, Creative Arts Club, and Mouse Squad (Computer Club)
Funded student-led programs such as WEB (Where Everybody Belongs)

ACADEMIC COUNSELING

Funded counselors who guide students in class planning and elective selection throughout middle school

At Miramonte, our course offerings provide students with much more than academic instruction. They create meaningful opportunities for exploration, critical thinking, and personal growth. Through these experiences, students develop the confidence, resilience, and empathy they need to succeed not only in school but in life beyond our walls.

– Ben Campopiano, Miramonte Principal

Miramonte High School

ACADEMIC PROGRAMS

Fund 22 academic sections to maintain a 7-period day, reduce class sizes, and expand access to Honors and AP classes
Provide classroom supplies across all subjects
Supported schoolwide academic programs such as The Mirador, Public Speaking, Model UN, and
Mock Trial

TEACHER STAFF & SUPPORT

Funded professional development, classroom materials, and staff and teacher appreciation

STUDENT ACTIVITIES & CAMPUS CULTURE

Supported leadership programs and community-building events, including Mats Day, Link Crew, and Graduation Week Events
Funded student clubs and field trips

STUDENT SUPPORT PROGRAMS

Expanded college & career services with dedicated staff and resources
Maintained a fully staffed Wellness Center
Increased access to academic counseling and peer tutoring

TECHNOLOGY & FACILITY IMPROVEMENTS

Invested in classroom technology and staff devices

ONE is proud to work in partnership with our Parents' Clubs and school districts in support of Orinda schools, teachers, and students.