Regarding the Cambrian School District’s
School Site Consolidation Committee
HSC Wind-Down & Community Transition Planning – FAQ
As the School Consolidation Advisory Committee’s process enters its final stages, the Cambrian Educational Foundation (CEF) is proactively working with the District and all six Home & School Clubs (HSCs) to prepare for a potential school closure. While the affected school and HSC have not yet been determined, planning is underway to ensure a thoughtful, well-managed transition if needed.
This planning includes an anticipated wind-down period of approximately six months to allow time to meet all financial obligations, responsibly manage funds and assets, and gather parent and donor input. At the same time, CEF is coordinating with the remaining HSCs to help ensure that any families impacted by consolidation receive a welcoming and supportive start at their new schools.
We recognize that this process brings uncertainty and strong emotions for many families. CEF is committed to approaching this work with care, transparency, and compassion, and to keeping decisions grounded in our shared mission to support Cambrian students and schools. The questions and answers below are intended to provide clarity and reassurance as this process continues.
For more information from the Cambrian School District on the School Consolidation Committee, please visit: https://www.cambriansd.org/departments/business-services/school-consolidation-advisory-committee
FAQs
Who is the CEF and how are they related to my Home & School Club?
1
The Cambrian Educational Foundation (CEF) is the umbrella nonprofit for all Cambrian Home & School Clubs and holds the shared 501(c)(3) status. CEF processes matching donations, files joint tax returns, ensures IRS compliance, and supports district-wide programs that benefit Cambrian students.
Why Does This Structure Matter Right Now?
CEF’s umbrella structure helps ensure stability and accountability during times of change. By centralizing compliance, financial reporting, and coordination with the district, CEF allows Home & School Clubs to focus on supporting their school communities while ensuring funds are used effectively, transparently, and in the best interest of Cambrian students—especially as decisions are finalized and transitions are planned.
What will happen to my Home & School Club if our school closes?
2
Due to a potential school closure, the Home & School Club (HSC) affected by the closure will begin a wind-down process. While closure appears likely, the full process—including financial decisions—has not been finalized yet.
Why does the Affected HSC need a wind-down period?
3
The HSC wind-down period (approximately six months) allows time to:
Pay all outstanding expenses and meet financial obligations
Properly close HSC accounts or transfer funds as required
Coordinate with the Cambrian Educational Foundation (CEF) and the District Office
Make thoughtful, informed decisions using the most accurate information available
This timeline helps ensure everything is handled responsibly and transparently.
How does CEF fit into the HSC wind-down?
4
All HSCs operate under the Cambrian Educational Foundation (CEF), which serves as the parent and umbrella nonprofit. CEF is legally and fiscally responsible for ensuring that HSC funds are used in accordance with its mission—to support Cambrian School District students and schools.
What happens to remaining HSC funds?
5
Any remaining HSC funds must be used in alignment with CEF’s mission. Final decisions about how funds are allocated will be made after the wind-down period, when student enrollment, school assignments, and district needs are clearer.
Will parents and donors have input during the HSC wind-down?
6
Yes. There will be a structured process for parent and donor input. This feedback will be documented and shared with the CEF Board to help guide decisions when it is time to transfer funds or determine how they will be used.
It will also be shared with the other HSCs to help them prepare to welcome and support affected families next school year.
This process is designed to be flexible and responsive—allowing CEF to adapt as students enroll at their new schools and as budget and program changes take effect—while honoring the intent of your donations and ensuring that students continue to benefit from your generosity.
Will the funds I have donated follow my student to their new school?
7
We understand how important this question is for families during this transition.
Tracking every student to their new school can be challenging, especially as families make different choices during the transition. While the school closure process is still being finalized, no final decisions have been made about how remaining Home & School Club funds will be allocated.
CEF will be actively working with the affected Home & School Club, the District Office, and school administrators to ensure that all funds continue to benefit students in meaningful ways, consistent with the original intent of your donation. Next year, the district will implement significant budget cuts—including $1.6 million in reductions in addition to the school closure—which will affect many programs that families value. This makes it especially important that CEF has the flexibility to use these funds in ways that have the greatest positive impact for affected students.
Rather than making early or automatic allocations, this approach allows us to respond to where students ultimately enroll and what supports they need most. Families will be kept informed as plans are finalized, and CEF is committed to transparency, accountability, and staying true to its mission to support Cambrian students and schools.
Why not distribute HSC funds immediately or divide them evenly?
8
Student needs, grade levels, and school assignments may change significantly over the coming months. Waiting allows funds to be used where they will have the greatest impact on affected students and schools, rather than making decisions without full context.
What happens to HSC supplies and physical assets?
9
Physical assets—such as materials used for school events or fundraisers—will be repurposed within other HSCs or the Cambrian School District whenever possible, so they continue to benefit students.
How does this protect donor intent?
10
By allowing decisions to be made closer to the time funds are transferred—and based on real, current needs—CEF can ensure HSC funds and assets are used in a way that best supports Cambrian students and schools, and where they will have the greatest impact on affected students and schools, consistent with donor intent.
Who oversees this process?
11
CEF will work closely with the affected HSC, the District Office, and school leadership throughout the wind-down to ensure transparency, compliance, and responsible stewardship.
How can I contact you?
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You can reach us anytime via our contact page or email. We aim to respond quickly—usually within one business day.