Angela Jenkins, Office of Communications                                                                       August 10, 2006

(903) 262-1064    Office                                                                                                          For Immediate Release

(903) 262-8441    Cell

News Release

Caldwell Foundation and TISD Celebrate Completion of Addition at Caldwell Elementary Arts Academy

            The Caldwell Foundation and the Tyler Independent School District are pleased to announce the completion of the Caldwell Elementary Arts Academy addition. Representatives from the Caldwell Foundation and TISD will celebrate the expansion of the Caldwell Elementary Arts Academy during a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Saturday, August 12, 2006 at 2 p.m. at the school.  The $2.3 million addition, funded by the Caldwell Foundation, encompasses 19,712 square feet and can accommodate 247 students in 13 general purpose classrooms. This addition will allow the Caldwell Elementary Arts Academy to provide services to its bilingual students from K-5 as well as provide all students with opportunities for participation in the Fine Arts program.

“We are honored by the support and generosity of The Caldwell Foundation,” said Dr. David Simmons, Tyler ISD Superintendent of Schools.  “This is a perfect example of the type of success that can result from collaborative efforts between school and community.  This partnership has, and will continue, to positively impact the lives of children in Tyler.”

“Caldwell Elementary is so thankful to the Caldwell and McArthur Families and the Caldwell Foundation for their support and commitment to education,” said Rebecca Clapp, Caldwell Elementary Arts Academy Principal.  “They have shown continual support of our efforts and, in turn, the resources have enabled us to provide an exemplary education for our students.”

Caldwell Elementary Arts Academy was rated an “Exemplary” campus during the 2001-2002 and 2003-2004 school years by the Texas Education Agency.  In addition, the school was one of 106 campuses in the State of Texas recognized as a Title I Distinguished Performance School by the U.S. Department of Education in 2005 and was named a Title I Distinguished Progress School that year.  The honor was created by the Department of Education as part of the No Child Left Behind program and recognizes Title I schools for significant academic success based on a variety of criterion.

 “The Foundation joins the school district and the board of trustees in congratulating Caldwell Elementary Arts Academy Principal, Rebecca Clapp, the talented and dedicated staff, and the parents and students of Caldwell for their outstanding academic achievement,” said Caldwell Foundation Board Chairman Dr. Michael McArthur. “We hope this effort will encourage public and private partnerships, especially in the field of education.”

The Caldwell Foundation was established by Mr. D.K. Caldwell in 1941.  Over the years The Caldwell Foundation has supported the Caldwell Zoo, public education, pre-school programs, elementary school field trips, and scholarships.

The new addition follows the Foundation’s 1999 gift to the school district which included the original Tyler High School building, the campus gymnasium and auditorium, the adjacent soccer field and $4 million for renovation of the building.

For more information please contact Angela Jenkins, Tyler ISD Office of Communications at 903-262-1064, or Laurey Peat & Associates, at 214-871-8787.