SUPPORTING AN EXCEPTIONAL PUBLIC EDUCATION
About Us
Our Mission
To enhance the educational experience of students at Lipman Middle School, Panorama Elementary School, and Brisbane Elementary School by supporting and funding various programs that inspire learning, creativity, and community engagement.
Our Values
COLLABORATION Bringing parents, educators, and the community together to accomplish shared goals.
EDUCATION Focusing on programs that enhance student learning and growth.
INCLUSIVITY Encouraging participation and contributions from all families.
COMMUNITY Building a supportive network that unites students, families, and educators.
One United PTO.
Three Incredible Campuses.
Unlike many public school districts where every individual school has its own siloed fundraising group, the BEST/PTO operates as a single, unified 501(c)(3) organization.
We proudly serve Brisbane Elementary, Panorama Elementary, and Lipman Middle School under one administrative umbrella.
WHY A SINGLE PTO?
Consolidating our efforts means we only have to manage one set of tax filings, one insurance policy, and one executive board. This radically reduces administrative overhead, ensuring that more of your donated dollars go directly into the classrooms across all three schools.
Led by Parents.
Driven by Community.
Our operational structure is built on a balance of centralized support and local independence.
The organization is guided by a central Executive Board (comprising our Chair, Secretary, Treasurer, and Fundraising Chair) who manage district-wide strategy, 501(c)(3) compliance, and major fundraising.
However, the heart of our work happens on the ground. Each campus is led by a dedicated School Site President with the autonomy to partner directly with their parents, principal, and staff. This structure ensures that funds and volunteer efforts are deployed exactly where each specific school needs them most.
MEET THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS →
Financial Transparency:
Where Do My Donations Go?
All donations to BEST/PTO and the three school subcommittees are handled safely under our central organization, but we ensure funds get to exactly where they are intended.
School-Specific Fundraisers
When funds come in for a specific school fundraiser (like a Lap-a-thon or Reading Rally), 100% of that money is deposited directly into that school subcommittee’s dedicated bank account.
District-Wide Events
All funds raised from district-wide events like Day in the Park or Spring Thing are applied to the BEST/PTO General Fund.
GENERAL FUND & OPERATIONAL COSTS
If a donation is given to BEST/PTO and is not designated for a specific school, it is placed in our General Fund. This fund covers the essential shared operating costs for all three schools (accounting software, tax filing fees, the P.O. Box, website hosting, insurance to cover PTO-run events, etc).
Once those essential operating costs are covered, BEST/PTO may split any remaining funds equally among the three school subcommittees.
School-Specific Fundraisers
To make an independent donation to a specific campus, click the link below to donate securely online via our donation platform, Zeffy.
If you prefer to write a check, please make it payable to "BEST PTO" with your target school (e.g., "Panorama") in the memo line. Checks can be dropped off at any school, given to a board member, or mailed to our P.O. Box.