April 16, 2007

News Release

TISD Foundation Board Continues Focus on Education

L-R:  Tiara Edwards, senior, and German Castillo, sophomore, present tokens of appreciation to Larry Goddard, Foundation Executive Director; and Mike Thomas, Foundation President at the TISD Foundation meeting at John Tyler High School.

Tyler ISD Foundation Board Directors went back to school last week, as their monthly meeting was hosted by John Tyler High School. 

Whit Riter, Texas Coordinating Board of Higher Education member, presented information to the group which detailed the growth of enrollment of higher education, the expectations for success of students in Texas, and the forecasts for the future of education in the state. 

The Foundation Board of Directors was welcomed by students in the JROTC unit from John Tyler High School.  Dr. Michael McFarland, principal, provided a welcome and an overview of the school’s achievements.

“This year, we held all of our Foundation Board of Directors meetings in campuses throughout the district rather than in the centralized administration building,” Larry Goddard, Foundation Executive Director, stated.  “We feel that our Directors benefit in their work of supporting Tyler ISD when they visit campus locations, meet the teachers, and see the students we assist.”

Mike Thomas, President of the Tyler ISD Foundation, challenged the Directors to prepare a strategic plan of action for the board’s goal of providing resources to benefit the district students and teachers. 

The Tyler ISD Foundation Board has met at Ramey Elementary, Hubbard Middle School, Caldwell Elementary, Jack Elementary, Lee High School, and John Tyler High School. 

The Foundation Board has existed for 17 years and was formed to create a philanthropic division for the school district.  The Foundation is a private 501(c)3 organization and provides funding for programming, events, and grants to the district.

The Board will meet next May 9^th at Dixie Elementary. 

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