FoSOTA

Friends of School of the Arts (a 501(c)3 nonprofit)

Helping to keep arts alive in public education

The Friends of School of the Arts (FoSOTA) is a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit organization founded in 2000.  FoSOTA was organized to create an active alumni association and to provide support and additional funding for SOTA. 

In 2008, FoSOTA's role expanded when the San Francisco Unified School District (SFUSD) specifically asked that a third party assume responsibility of accounting for funds raised through performances and parent donations. In addition to managing funds for the art disciplines, FoSOTA manages the Parents’ Annual Fund and manages the contracts of our artists-in-residence engaged to work with our students.

Current Board Members

Michael Palladino, President: PTSA President 2005-2006 and parent of Zoe Palladino (Vocal Class of 2007.)  Michael is the webmaster for the website, which includes a web-based information management system to support event planning, fundraising, and communication.  In addition, he created the FOSOTA website (www.fosota.org) which includes updated bios on alumni and the former PTSA website (which was combined with the school site in 2011).  He is a programmer by trade and is a principal of Central-360, Inc. Email: president@fosota.org

Tom Weverka, Secretary: PTSA Secretary 2010-11 and parent of Marie Weverka (Instrumental Music Class of 2013)

Colleen Ivie, Vice President:  PTSA Treasurer 2008-2011, parent of Devon Ivie (Instrumental Music Class of 2012). Colleen has volunteered a tremendous amount of time assisting with all aspects of the school and administration.  She has a background in government contracting and finance.

Anne Yanow, Outreach: PTSA Treasurer 2001-2003, stand-in PTSA President for 2005, Newsletter Editor 2005 and parent of Hannah Yanow (Dance Class of 2005.) Anne works for a court-appointed receiver and trustee, and has 20 years’ experience in fiduciary work.

Hilary Smith-Mahon, Treasurer:

Joe Rosenblatt, Board Member: former principal of SOTA.  Retired 2001.

Jerry Pannone, Board Member: Emeritus Chair of Instrumental Music and Orchestra conductor. Retired 2009.

FOSOTA holds monthly board meeting and currently supports several committees: Alumni, Parents’ Annual Fund, Finance, Endowment Campaign, and Outreach.

Alumni Committee

Chaired by former principal Joe Rosenblatt and staffed by a rotating group of alumni, the committee sponsors an annual 10-year reunion gathering in the summer. There are also plans to expand the current volunteer program with the help of alumni and their parents.

Strategic Planning Committee

The committee has been meeting since April 2008 and has been facilitated by Ms. Judy Barkett (parent of Megan King, Theatre Class of 2010).  Ms. Barkett is vice president and lead consultant of VenueTech, specializing in facility management and fund-raising in the public and nonprofit sectors.  members of this committee include board officers Michael Palladino, Anne Yanow, former principal Joe Rosenblatt and former and current parents, including Kathie Darby, Colleen Ivie, and Abbie Yant.

Parents’ Annual Fund Committee

This group administers the internal fund raising and granting process. The members include board officers Michael Palladino, Anne Yanow, Colleen Ivie, Joe Rosenblatt, Jerry Pannone and former parents Kathie Darby and Judy Barkett. 

Friends of School of the Arts
236 West Portal Avenue, Box 844
San Francisco, CA  94127



FoSOTA is a public benefit corporation with 501(c)3 status with the Internal Revenue Service and California Franchise Tax Board (FEIN 94-3373066).