Sandburg Elementary is facing a pivotal moment. Due to declining enrollment, the school must reduce 2.5 classroom-based staff positions for the 2026–27 school year, resulting in fewer adults supporting students during instruction and throughout the school day.

One of the most effective ways to support students and teachers through this transition is by preserving skilled paraprofessionals, who provide essential academic, behavioral, and social-emotional support across grades K–5. The goal is not only to maintain these positions, but to increase their daily hours so students receive consistent, meaningful support that directly impacts learning and engagement.

Our goal for Prom Part Deux is to raise $35,000, which will allow Sandburg to provide the full paraprofessional support needed next year.

Without reaching this funding goal, the alternatives are difficult and unavoidable: reducing paraprofessional hours, eliminating an entire paraprofessional position, or cutting other essential student supports such as intervention services, instructional coaching, or mental health resources.

This is where our community comes in.

Prom Part Deux is our community’s moment this year to step up and protect essential classroom and student supports at Sandburg. Every dollar raised goes directly back into the school to preserve the resources our students rely on every day. This event is how we bridge the gap and protect the learning environment our children need to thrive.

Yes, the event will be a fun night out with dinner, drinks, dancing, and great music. But at its core, it is about coming together to ensure Sandburg can continue to meet the academic and social-emotional needs of its students, even as staffing levels are reduced.

What We Need From Our Community to Reach This Goal

Reaching this goal requires all of us. There is no single action that gets us there on its own, but together, these efforts make it possible.

• Buy a ticket and attend Prom Part Deux on February 28. Your presence fuels the fundraising that directly supports our classrooms.
• Make a monetary donation if you’re unable to attend. Every dollar helps close the gap.
• Register to bid in the auction,whether you attend in person or participate virtually. Auction participation is a critical part of reaching our goal.

When we show up together in these ways, we make it possible to preserve essential student services, maintain safety and supervision throughout the school day, and support teachers and classrooms during a challenging transition.

Thank you for being part of the Sandburg community and for stepping up when it matters most!