December 14, 2007

News Release

I Love Tyler ISD Campaign Moving Toward Record-Setting Goal

The Tyler ISD Foundation has raised $185,380 with their annual fund drive.  The Foundation assists Tyler ISD teachers, students and employees with innovative programs, district events and improvement initiatives.   Last year, the Foundation raised $267,000 in annual fund gifts, which was a huge improvement over the 2005-2006 results of $40,000.

This fall, the Foundation has been able to fund three major district-wide grants totaling $80,000, which supports student achievement, student safety and emerging technologies.  This is in addition to the classroom teaching grants which totaled more than $60,000 in 2007.

            “We are thrilled at the success we have had this year,” said President Mike Thomas. “The Board of Directors has come together and are motivated to reach our goal.”

            Historically, the Foundation has provided teacher incentive grants but has expanded its mission to provide support for the District in programming, events, teacher training, and other District needs.

            “We will continue to offer the teacher grants, but they are becoming a smaller percentage of our total support of the District,” said Larry Goddard, Executive Director of the Foundation since April 2006.

            The “I Love Tyler ISD Campaign” began November 2^nd and will continue through March 2008. Campaign Chair Ross Conner said, “Although we have had a remarkable jump start to our campaign, our job is not finished. We still need to reach or even exceed our goal for the students and community who will benefit from the money we are raising for TISD.”

            Goddard is hopeful that this year’s campaign will set the precedent for the Foundation’s future. “In the past year, the Foundation has grown exponentially in its ability to fund programs and events for the District. From the results of our campaign so far, it is my belief that the Foundation’s ability to help the School District will only improve from here.” 

            The Tyler ISD Foundation has a client base of more than 18,000 students, more than 2,000 faculty and staff members, their families and the growing population of Tyler ISD. 

For information to the campaign, please contact the Tyler ISD Foundation at (903) 262-1144 or foundation@tylerisd.org.

                               
        Larry Goddard, Executive Director                           Ross Conner, Campaign Chair