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School advocates plan new fund drive By Amber Fossen Ashland Daily Tidings The Ashland Schools Foundation is gearing up for another effort to support cash-strapped local schools. According to ASF board officials, the campaign will kick-off on Valentine's Day with letters, ads and telephone calls to past donors. While last year's "Save Our Schools - Support Our Students" campaign made a roar raising nearly $450,000 in funds, this year's campaign will be more low-key. "We're trying to keep a lower profile," said Susan Bacon, ASF interim executive director. Bacon said the board will run an abbreviated campaign - lasting from mid-February through the end of March - so as not to conflict with the Ashland Youth Activities Levy, which is likely to go before voters in May for a third renewal. It was first passed in 1994, and was renewed in 1997 and 2000. The levy stands at $1.38 per $1,000 in assessed property value, raising the Ashland School District an estimated $1.7 million per year minus $119,000 for parks and recreation programs. District officials said they might increase the amount this go-round, but have yet to announce that decision. The Ashland School Board is scheduled to discuss the proposed levy amount at an upcoming meeting. ASF officials said the fund-raising campaign will serve a dual purpose. "Part of the campaign is not only to raise money for the schools but also to educate people on school funding," Bacon said. In addition to supplying information about school funding, campaign organizers will discuss where last year's S.O.S funding was utilized. "We feel pretty proud about where the money went last year and the things we were able to do," Bacon said. Bacon said the ASF board of directors would like to continue to be able to fund essential educational programs through the support of the community. LINKS: DAILY TIDINGS: Main | News | Sports | Business | Obituaries | Opinion | Columnists | AP News | Subscribe | Archives | Weather | Classifieds | Contact Us | Privacy REVELS: Main | Calendar | Dining | Movies | T.V. OTHER: Road Cams Copyright 2003 Ashland Daily Tidings 541.482.3456. 1661 Siskiyou Blvd., Ashland, OR 97520. Ottaway Newspapers, Inc. - Advertisers -