Monday, July 15, 2024
For educators who have innovative ideas for their classroom, receiving a little extra support from the community can help them make it happen.
Formed in 2012, Gatesville ISD’s Education Foundation helps enhance academic opportunities for students by raising grant funds that teachers can use to implement new projects, programs, or tools into their classrooms. Most recently, the foundation surprised 27 teachers at Gatesville ISD’s five campuses with over $27,000 total for the 2024-2025 school year.
“These are things that are out of reach of a teacher’s normal salary, and things that, of course, the school and their budget are not able to provide for these teachers,” Education Foundation Co-President Velda Watson said. “But they're innovative ideas to help better our students at GISD.”
According to an April report from the National Education Association (NEA), teachers in Texas make about $9,000 less than the national average salary. While the school’s yearly budget covers basic classroom needs, most teachers cannot afford supplementary activities or lessons on their own.
“It is expensive for teachers,” Watson said. “They have their classrooms together, and then books and everything, and it just doesn't always line up with their salary. They see something, and research and find out about something that could really help their kids. But of course, they can't afford to pay for it, and they honestly shouldn't.”
Gatesville ISD teachers who received grants this year will use the funds for a variety of initiatives, including the creation of a classroom library, lab supplies, science-focused field trips, a weekly magazine, and more.
To receive the grant, teachers fill out an application that explains how much their idea costs and how it will benefit their students. The foundation received 47 applicants this year.
“We give it (the money) to the school, and then the school distributes it to all the teachers, so that they can go off those innovative ideas for the next school year,” Watson said.
One teacher, Gatesville Junior High paraprofessional Wendy Bye, received $200 from the foundation to open classes in resin pour art.
“I am thrilled and very appreciative to have been awarded a grant,” Bye said. “My students are going to love learning resin pouring art.”
Gatesville ISD Superintendent Barrett Pollard, who serves as an advisor to the Education Foundation board, emphasizes the value of the group’s service to the school district.
“The Gatesville ISD Education Foundation has been around for many years. I do not think the public realizes how important the foundation is to the school district,” Pollard said. “It's a small group of members, but they help our district tremendously through their fundraising efforts. Each year, staff members are able to apply for grants through the foundation to fund anything from field trips to materials and technology in the classrooms.”
The foundation raises funds for the school district through sponsorships, donations, and by hosting two events during the year –Mother and Son Movie Night in the fall and the Spring Fling Daddy-Daughter Dance.
In previous years, Watson said the foundation has helped fund various items at the school district, such as musical instruments, books, sound systems for choir classes, and the lighting at the cross country and walking track.
The Education Foundation currently consists of eight volunteer board members who range from business and community leaders to parents and GISD alumni.
Although not a teacher herself, Watson joined the foundation’s board in 2019 because of her relationships with other teachers, and witnessing the financial struggles they often endure.
“I joined the foundation because I know lots of teachers here in Gatesville. I also have a sister who was a teacher and now a school counselor,” Watson said. “I have heard all their struggles of the financial burden to try to bring the best curriculum to their class each year.”
“They long for more than the standard, but things cost lots of money more than they can afford,” she adds. “If we can help relieve that burden and give them the best opportunity to enrich our children’s lives and the future of our community, then we have to step up and help them. They are more than deserving of these funds.”
Watson said the foundation offers volunteer opportunities and helps people get involved in the community. Those interested in becoming a volunteer or joining the board can email educationfoundation@gatesvilleisd.org. Board members cannot be current Gatesville ISD employees.
Donate to the Education Foundation by mailing in the donation to Gatesville ISD Education Foundation, 311 S. Lovers Lane, Gatesville, TX 76528.
Alexandra Meelbusch contributed to this story
