But the system also gave examples of how it's not just relying on others when it comes to raising money.

The system obtained numerous grants in the past year, including a $1 million literacy grant at Centennial Elementary School and $25,000 for an after-school program at Gainesville Middle School.

"We want the community to know we're doing our part," said Christine Z. Brosky, the city's grants coordinator. "We want to go above and beyond ... the standard. We're securing funding, writing grants, submitting proposals, and we're proud of it."

The 4,600-student system started the foundation in December as a source of funding within the system. Donors can earmark their money for one of five funds: technology, fine arts, laptop computers for middle school students, science and math or general education.

Teachers can submit a request for money and upon approval they have one year to use the grant. They also have to document how they spent the money.

"We can't always go to the community and say we need more (tax) dollars," said Superintendent Steven Ballowe to the group, which gathered at the school board offices at 508 Oak St.

Ballowe said he especially would like to see the system provide the laptops. He noted that Georgia has 10 school districts with such a program.

"We don't have that capability because of the high incidence of poverty in our community," he said.

Nearly two-thirds of the system's students are on the federally funded free or reduced-price lunch program.

The foundation currently has about $2,000, and 75 percent of those contributions have come from teachers and administrations through payroll deduction, Brosky said.

Earlier in the year, the city used an anonymous donation of $6,000 for two $3,000 college scholarships, she said.

Brosky said she hopes those who gathered at Wednesday's meeting, which included newly elected Hall Commissioner Deborah Mack and City Councilman Mark Musselwhite, will spread the word about the system's accomplishments.

Annette Sloan, administrator for Georgia Mountains Regional Physicians, said the city's presentation left her a bit envious. She has children in another school system.

"The (city system has) got a lot of really good stuff going on," she said.