our booster club is:
Topanga Enrichment Programs (TEP)
​

What is TEP?
​Topanga Enrichment Programs (TEP) is a Non-Profit 501(c)3 Corporation specifically created to provide enriched educational opportunities to students of Topanga Elementary Charter School.

Is TEP the same as a PTA? 
NO, TEP is not the same as a PTA. TEP is in essence a booster fund, with the goal to provide resources that LAUSD cannot.

What is TEP’s budget? 
TEP operates an annual budget of around $200,000 - 300,000, depending on enrollment. The TEP Board reviews the budget annually comparing the annual contributions to the annual expenses to assess if any adjustments in expenditures are required.

When is it important to contribute? 
TEP asks that each family contribute to the TEP “Giving Fund” at the beginning of the school year. This ensures that TEP has sufficient funds to cover expenses that need to be paid in the beginning of the school year. There are other opportunities to contribute both time and monetary donations at various fundraisers throughout the year.

Are my contributions to TEP tax deductible? 
Your donation to the “Giving Fund” is completely tax deductible. Contributions at TEP fundraisers are generally not tax deductible because you are receiving something for which you are paying.

Does TEP make a difference? 
TEP funds enable the school to have instructional aides in the classrooms, a physical education program, an art teacher/program, a technology enrichment program, science enrichment activities, and library resources.

Who runs TEP? 
There is a Board of up to 13 Directors running TEP. All Directors are parents at the school. Any parent with a child enrolled in Topanga Elementary who has donated at least $1 to TEP may run to be on the Board. Elections are held annually in June.

Can parents go to TEP meetings? 
YES, we meet once a month, usually on the second Tuesday of each month at 7pm in Room 14 at the school.

Can parents suggest ideas to TEP? 
YES, please contact TEP: TEPBoard@topangaelementary.org​

Does anyone on TEP’s board get paid? 
NO, all Board Members are unpaid volunteers.

Where can I learn more about TEP? 
TEP’s Bylaws and Financial information are available here on the school’s website: www.topangaelementary.org

Download FAQs | Download TEP Bylaws
Download TEP Articles of Incorporation
​
View 2022-2023 TEP Budget

TEP Board Members 2023-2024
TEPBoard@topangaelementary.org​

President - Pete Samson
president@topangaelementary.org

Secretary/Controller - Katie Schwipper
secretary@topangaelementary.org
controller@topangaelementary.org

Treasurer - Vitaliy Farber
treasurer@topangaelementary.org

Sponsorship - Jenny Atkins
​sponsorship@topangaelementary.org

Members at Large
Lauren Farber
Danita Menchell
Jenny Atkins
Anabelle Munro
Bernadette Gennaro
Lara Hogan
Frederika Swanson
Christine Nelson

Join Us
TEP meetings are held on the 2nd Tuesday of the month at 7pm. Reminders are published via ParentSquare.
​View Minutes

Meetings
2nd Tuesday of each month​

Have TEP Contact You
TEP suggestion/comment forms are available in the office. Simply complete and submit the form in the suggestion box (also in the office) and the appropriate TEP representative will contact you as soon as possible.

Physical Address
TEP
Topanga Elementary Charter School
22075 Topanga School Road
Topanga, CA 90290

Mailing Address
Topanga Enrichment Programs
PO Box 801
Topanga, CA 90290

TEP Profile on Guidestar