News
News Release:
 Community Salutes 25 Years of Successful Learning
 Partnership in Education Reaches Milestone
May 2, 2007

SAN DIEGO – More than 1,400 business and community members are expected to salute the 25th anniversary of the San Diego Unified School District’s Partnership in Education program on Thursday, May 3, from 4 to 6 p.m., at the SeaWorld Nautilus Pavilion.

Established in 1982, the award-winning Partnership in Education (PIE) program cultivates collaborative arrangements between schools and organizations including businesses, government agencies, military commands, and service, educational and cultural community organizations. The program marks its 25th anniversary this year with a record-breaking 1,470 partnerships.

The 25th Anniversary Community Recognition Event includes:
  • Recognition of the district’s 25-year partnerships with SeaWorld San Diego, Solar Turbines, Kiwanis Club of Scripps-Mira Mesa, and San Diego Firefighters Local 145.
  • Recognition of 20- and 10-year partnerships.
  • Student entertainment by the Mission Bay High School Dixie Jazz Band, Torrey Pines Elementary School Honor Choir, Serra High School NJROTC Drill Team, and Oak Park Elementary School Music Conservatory Advanced Choir.
  • A walk down memory lane lead by former Board of Education member Kay Davis.
  • A proclamation from the City of San Diego presented by Jo Anne SawyerKnoll, Deputy Chief Ethics and Integrity.
  • More than $8,400 in donated door prizes.
The event is sponsored by the district’s Community Relations Department, SeaWorld San Diego and California Coast Credit Union.

Under the leadership and guidance of the district’s Community Relations Department, the PIE program is one of the district’s most enduring. Partnerships focus on human resources rather than the donation of funds. The success of the program thrives by providing business and community organizations an opportunity to:
  • Take an active role in the business of educating our students
  • Gain a working knowledge of public education today
  • Ensure a brighter future for our students, the San Diego community and the nation.


    • “The Partnerships in Education Program forges relationships that are built upon a shared vision, shared values, mutual needs and a passion to make a difference in the lives of students,” said Janet Delaney, Community Relations Director. “It is my hope that our Partnerships Program represents a win-win relationship for the schools and the San Diego community.”

    More than 22,000 volunteers, including partners, share their talents and expertise by participating in a myriad of school activities designed to enhance the education experience. Parents, business/community members, college students, K-12 students, senior citizens and others open their hearts and their minds to help our students. They represent the many diverse economic, social, racial, religious and educational backgrounds within the San Diego community.

    According to the latest figures, these volunteers logged more than 676,000 volunteer hours, valued at more than $11.8 million. (The 2004 monetary value of one hour of volunteer time was $17.55, established by the Independent Sector, Washington, D.C.)

    For information, contact the Community Relations Department, at (619) 725-5592.