A grassroots effort to raise money for the Janesville School District is off to a strong start. As the district faces a $13 million budget shortfall, school employees are trying to fill the gap with either a lump sum, which is a suggested donation of $300, or with a payroll deduction.
During the Save Janesville Schools fund drive Wednesday, organizer Mike Rundle says they saw generations contributions of more than $1,000 or a commitment of 5.8-percent of future salary.
Even workers being laid off like Shelly Maldonado are donating. Both Maldonado and her sister are school counselors who’ve received notices. Although she is leaving the district, Shelly says she wants students to be able to access proper services.
The employee donation totals from Wednesday equal more than $31,000 for the 2011-2012 year and an additional $50,000 pledged.
AUDIO: Brian Moon reports (1:13)
Beth Wheelock-WCLO