February 26, 2009

News Release

“We Believe In Tyler ISD” Campaign Coming to Successful Close

The Tyler ISD Foundation’s annual community-wide campaign is in the home stretch and the results may be record-breaking, according to Larry Goddard, Executive Director of the Foundation. 

“Last year, we raised more than $385,000 during our campaign on behalf of the Tyler ISD students, teachers and campuses,” said Goddard.  “Our final results will be announced at our March 18^th board meeting, but we are close to reaching last year’s record-setting results.”

To date, $366,000 has been raised.  A good portion of the campaign donations are for the areas of greatest needs and the remainder of the donations is for restricted programs or events.

Ross Conner, Campaign Chair for the past two years said, “We had a challenging year but we believe in Tyler ISD and it is apparent that the community does as well.  When we initially planned the campaign, we knew we had to be enthusiastic and assertive in getting the message across that private donations are needed to support our public schools in Tyler.”

About 90% of the youth in Tyler attend Tyler ISD.  Each year, the Foundation grants money to teachers and campuses, locates underwriters to fund the events at Tyler ISD, develops the academic and teacher recognition event, The Night of Shining Stars, and assists resources for many other programs.

“Last week, The Night of Shining Stars, won a state-wide award as the Best Event out of the 1100 school districts in Texas,” said Goddard.  “There are so many good stories in our classrooms in Tyler and the Foundation is proud to be part of helping the community become aware of those good stories that sometimes go unnoticed.”

Yard signs with the wording, “We Believe in Tyler ISD” have been placed in donors’ yards this year. 

“One huge part of our successful campaign was the Ten Dollar Club for Tyler ISD employees,” said Goddard who became a part of the Tyler ISD Foundation in 2006.  “This was the first year of the employee drive—our teachers give so much that we were hesitant to ask for monetary donations but we did ask them to join the $10 Club of Donors and they did in record numbers.  We have never had so many individual donors to our campaign.”

The Foundation will celebrate its 20^th anniversary next year.

“Now more than ever, it is important that our public schools are able to provide more than just the basics in educating our children.  There are so many technology needs and innovative teaching ideas that just can’t be funded with tax dollars,” said Mike Thomas, Foundation Board President since 2006.

“This campaign will allow the Foundation to fund those programs that will stimulate learning and enhance the great job our educators are doing,” said Thomas.  “I am so proud of Ross, as our campaign chair, and all our board members and volunteers for their dedication to public education.  This campaign shows that Tyler supports and values public education as the backbone of the community.  I would like to say on behalf of the Board of Directors of the Tyler ISD Foundation, thank you to everyone who has contributed to this year’s annual fund campaign.”

If interested, contact Tracy Phelps at (903) 266-9805 or foundation@suddenlinkmail.com

The Tyler ISD Foundation is a 501(c)3 public charity that exists to support Tyler ISD by providing resources to inspire learning, enrich teaching and enhance opportunities for more than 18,000 students, 2,700 employees, their families and our growing Tyler community.

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