Pala Band of Mission Indians donates $140,000 to Bonsall Union School District

PALA “ On Sept. 6, the Pala Band of Mission Indians made a $140,000 donation to the Bonsall Union School District (BUSD) for the 2011-2012 school year.

The money will be used to assist with transportation costs and support programs that would otherwise be eliminated at Vivian Banks Charter School in Pala and to provide transportation and administrative support for Sullivan Middle School.

œWe are pleased to help the Bonsall school district provide the best education possible for our local students, said Robert Smith, chairman of the Pala Band of Mission Indians. œBudgets cuts continue to be a reality for many organizations, but education needs to be a priority. This contribution will help ensure access to a high quality education for our region's future leaders.

Dr. Justin Cunningham, superintendent of BUSD, acknowledged the tribe's œwisdom and gracious generosity, and noted how valuable their supportive relationship was to the future of the Bonsall and Pala communities. œWe are very grateful for the wonderful relationship Chairman Robert Smith has supported, because it will help develop tomorrow's leaders, Cunningham added.

The Pala Tribe has donated over $400,000 over the past three years to the Bonsall Union School District.