Education Foundation Support

Leaders with the Spring Branch Education Foundation (SBEF) presented the annual gift “check” to the Spring Branch Independent School District Board of Trustees at a recent meeting. A symbolic check representing gifts of $420,684 for the 2007-2008 fiscal year, which ended in June 2008, was presented.

SBEF Board of Directors Chair Warren Matthews and Cece Thompson, the Foundation’s executive director, announced the large contribution amount. Accepting the presentation check on behalf of the district’s Trustees at the October Board meeting was SBISD Board of Trustees President Susan Kellner and Superintendent of Schools Duncan Klussmann. 

Big hearts, bigger donation: Posing with the 2007-2008 symbolic check from the Spring Branch Education Foundation (SBEF) are, left to right, Susan Kellner, SBISD Board of Trustees president; Warren Matthews, SBEF Board of Directors chair; Cece Thompson, SBEF executive director; and Duncan Klussmann, SBISD superintendent of schools

The money was used during the 2007-08 school year to fulfill the Foundation’s mission to provide financial resources to enhance the quality of education for all Spring Branch ISD students.

“We consider it our responsibility to help young people grow into well-rounded adults who will improve our community and our world,” Warren Matthews said.

“For example, we fund programs that help elementary kids get hooked on science, that introduce students to Houston’s world-class arts organizations, that rescue high school students who might otherwise fall through the cracks in math class, that fund professional development for an educator interested in teaching dual credit courses. And so much more.”

Foundation grants fund student and staff scholarships, mentoring programs, J. Landon Short mini-grants for classroom projects, Arts Partners programs, the Altheretta Yeargin Art Museum and designated campus projects, to name only a few.

“The Foundation is a superb partner to the school district,” Superintendent Klussmann said. “It provides exceptional opportunities for the community to be involved. Every campaign, every event, every volunteer project bring the community together for an occasion to help our students.”

The Foundation is a 501(c)(3) organization that provides a vehicle for community members to make tax-deductible gifts to SBISD. In addition to sponsoring an annual Employee Campaign which funds scholarships for children of SBISD employees who graduate from SBISD schools, it hosts three signature fundraising events: The Fall Golf Classic, Running for the Arts and Crystal Awards of Outstanding Teachers (in partnership with the Houston Chronicle).

During the past 15 years, the Foundation has raised more than $6 million and received the Houston Business Promise Award from the Greater Houston Partnership.

The 50-member SBEF Board represents parents, volunteers, community and business leaders and district administrators. The Board’s recently published 2007-08 Annual Report, Investing for our future, provides a full accounting of its financial management.