June 16, 2003

Poway Unified To Receive Close to a $1 Million
Donation for Character Counts! Program

While a community member’s name will remain anonymous as requested, the generous donation of close to a million dollars will make a significant and positive difference to the PUSD community.

Through a three-year donation of $930,000, the Character Counts! Program will be implemented in Grades K-12.

Character Counts! is a growing alliance of more than 500 schools, communities, and many of the country’s nonprofit organizations, all working to advance nonpartisan, nonsectarian character education by teaching a consistent set of values. The values of trustworthiness, respect, responsibility, fairness, caring, and citizenship are called the “Six Pillars of Character”. The funding will provide multiple training opportunities for staff, teachers, and community members. Emphasis will also be placed on good sportsmanship and the “Pursuing Victory with Honor” program.

The donor said, “When hearing that an individual is contributing close to a million dollars to a tax-funded institution, people are going to be curious. Most of us are continually trying to avoid paying taxes and frequently seek and receive free government services. Why would someone give money to an entity funded by public monies? I would like to give something back to my community that I believe would make an important and lasting impact. I believe that life’s great secret is the fact that a successful life is not about getting; it’s about giving. The saying that “It is better to give than receive” is a profoundly true statement. In giving this gift, I will receive continual satisfaction as I reflect on it and as I see the results of character education ripple through our community in the improved ethical climate that it engenders during the years ahead.”

PUSD Superintendent Don Phillips said, “My primary focus as an educator is to ensure every student reaches his or her potential, with a strong academic emphasis. An environment that does not adhere to the values of trustworthiness, respect, responsibility, fairness, caring, and citizenship would block our students from reaching their potential successfully. On behalf of the Poway Unified School District I thank our generous donor for his contribution so we can implement this national character education program for the children of our district and for our community.”

Michael Josephson, well-known ethicist, founded the nonprofit Character Counts! Coalition. He will be speaking to the PUSD community in October. Some of the Coalition members include: Boys & Girls Clubs of America, California Interscholastic Federation, National Association of Police Athletic Leagues, American Federation of Teachers, United Way of America, and the Little League Baseball and Softball Associations.

“Our community donor has made a significant contribution to the District at a time when resources are limited. The Character Counts! Program educates kids to make good choices and supports PUSD’s Academic Honesty Policy,” said Elaine Cofrancesco, PUSD Executive Director who presented the donation to the PUSD Board of Education on June 16.

Poway Unified School District currently operates 23 elementary schools, six middle schools, four high schools, and one continuing education campus with a district-wide enrollment of over 32,700.