May 12, 2008

News Release
 

Tyler Hosts Regional Training for School Districts

        Education foundations from across the state will gather in Tyler next week for training on what has become one of the fastest growing philanthropic areas in our country.

        “We are pleased that Texas School Public Relations Association (TSPRA) has selected Tyler as a regional training site for its member school districts,” said Angela Jenkins, Director of Communications for Tyler ISD.

        A workshop for public education foundation board directors, trustees, superintendents, staff and executive directors will be held Tuesday, May 13^th, at the Rose Garden Center beginning at 9 a.m.

        “In the 1980’s public universities saw tremendous growth in donations from their alumni.  In the 1990’s, community and junior colleges experienced that same level of growth in contributions from the private sector.  Currently there is a national trend of expansion of donated dollars to public school districts,” said Larry Goddard, Executive Director of the Tyler ISD Foundation and chair-elect of the TSPRA education foundation division.  “This state-wide training is for area school districts to prepare their foundations for funding outside of the traditional tax dollars.”

        The agenda includes session topics on board development, employee giving, fundraising and public relations.  There will also be a session for school districts that are creating foundations and one for more established foundations.

        “We will be able to learn from other foundations and meet those involved in foundation programs, issues and events,” said Goddard.

        Districts scheduled to attend are White Oak, Hallsville, Tyler, Cedar Hill, Deer Park, Abilene, Judson, Lancaster, Avery, Corsicana, North Lamar, Pine Tree, Willis, Garland, Eagle Mountain-Saginaw, Midway and Killeen.  Presenters include professional fund-raising consultants, school district administrators, education foundation directors, volunteers, and major funders of public education.

        “This is a unique opportunity to meet other education foundation board directors from various school districts, review board member responsibilities, explore ideas for fundraising for immediate needs and long-term sustainability and share best practices,” said Goddard.

        Sponsors for the training are: Texas Pioneer Foundation, Texas School Public Relations Association and Foundation Innovation. 

        Local presenters will be Dawn Franks of Fourth Partner Foundation and Vice President-Governance of the Tyler ISD Foundation; Ross Conner of Conner Communities Custom Homes and Vice President-Development of the Tyler ISD Foundation; and Brian Bowman, Communications Director for Longview ISD.

        Tyler ISD has been a long-time member of the Texas School Public Relations Association.

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