In preparation for the new school year, EBI has invested over $1500 per child to address the specific and unforeseen challenges associated with the COVID-19 pandemic
EBI’s COVID-related expenses include
Comprehensive weekly COVID testing for all students
Comprehensive bi-weekly COVID testing for all household members (optional)
Comprehensive weekly COVID testing for faculty and staff
Additional faculty and staff, including
a dedicated health officer to support both campuses
additional school-day and Aventura teachers to support small cohorts in alignment with guidance across both campuses and virtual Aventura sessions at no cost to families (supporting teacher breaks, absences, technical support, etc.)
additional janitorial staff and services on both campuses for cleaning and disinfection
Safety equipment, including
Deep-cleaning and disinfection equipment and cleaning supplies
65 sanitizing stations
13 handwashing stations
PPE, including masks and shields
Facilities improvements, including
upgraded windows for San Pablo campus
classroom dividers for Alcatraz campus
plexiglass dividers for administration offices and classrooms
individual student desks and supplies
Upgraded technology, including
upgraded broadband at both campuses
classroom cameras for broadcasting (Swivl, Owls, etc.) and microphones
Chromebooks and iPads for every teacher
upgraded learning platforms including Classlink, SeeSaw, and digital resources
Education technology professional development for teachers and staff for hybrid- and blended-learning models
Ongoing professional development for faculty and staff
All of these expenses are in addition to the usual costs of educating our students (salaries and benefits are fixed)
In fact, we have added faculty and staff to deal with the smaller cohort sizes allowed by the state and local health authorities
In addition to added expenses, EBI is experiencing a decrease in revenue of approximately 5% versus budget , due to fewer families utilizing Community Programs (Aventura, Camps), and an inability to offer the usual enrichment classes due to COVID-19 restrictions and needs.
For all of these reasons and more, the Annual Fund campaign is especially important this year.
Your gift makes it possible for EBI to fulfill its mission (below):
to provide an excellent Spanish-English bilingual education based on the highest international academic standards in an environment that thrives on diversity, fosters global citizenship, and develops the character necessary to recognize that cultural uniqueness is the touchstone of our common humanity (link is external)
