November 21, 2006

News Release

I Love Tyler ISD Campaign in Full Swing

The Tyler ISD Foundation has officially begun their annual fund drive with the theme, “I Love Tyler ISD”, and a campaign goal of $150,000.

The drive will fund grants to teachers, events for the entire district, and programs designated by the Tyler ISD Foundation Board of Directors, according to Larry Goddard, Executive Director.

A kickoff luncheon was held earlier this month with more than 100 volunteers and donors attending to hear the plans for the campaign, which will continue through January 2007.

“Each year, the community is asked to show its support for Tyler Independent School District by providing private contributions for public education,” said Goddard.  “The more contributions we receive, the greater the support for classroom teachers and other educators in Tyler ISD.”

Luncheon attendees heard Catherine Harrison, motivational speaker, author and mother of three Tyler ISD students, speak on the importance our society has to provide the highest quality public education.

Gary Howell, Campaign Chair, announced that over $85,000 had been raised in the past three weeks prior to the official kick off of the campaign.  He stated that the goal is $150,000 for the three month campaign, but he challenged the guests to exceed the goal by reaching $200,000 in donations.

The Foundation has a competitive grant process for teachers, teams of teachers or campuses.  Twice a year, the ‘call for proposals’ is announced and funds are provided for teachers who want to do a project not typically funded by the budget. 

“Individual teachers may receive up to $1000 for their grants; teams of teachers and campuses may receive up to $5,000 for their grants.  The annual fund drive is crucial so that funding of these ideas presented by classroom teachers is granted,” stated Goddard.

The Foundation also provides funds for the district-wide Teacher of the Year event, the district-wide Convocation, and retirement and service anniversary events for all district employees.

“The Foundation is a non profit organization and services a large population—more than 18,000 students, 2,300 faculty and staff members, and a growing base of Tyler residents and businesses,” according to Goddard.  “As a non-profit in this area, our numbers of people served is one of the largest in East Texas.”

Donations will be received at the Tyler ISD Foundation Office, P.O. Box 2035, Tyler, Texas 75710 or phone (903) 262-1144 for more information.

###