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Bringing additional resources to teachers in the Grapevine-Colleyville Independent School District was a vision held by a dozen committed community members in 1998. Ten years later, more than $765,000 has been distributed to our schools to fund 502 innovative grants, scholarships, awards and other projects. In addition, the Foundation has established an endowment fund which is currently in excess of a million dollars.
"This foundation gives people in our communities the opportunity to contribute back to the district," said Roy Stewart, founding president. "The foundation will in turn support a variety of education projects which otherwise would not be possible."
Teachers have been awarded grant funds from the Grapevine-Colleyville Education Foundation annually, using an exciting presentation event patterned after special event "Star Grant Patrols." GC Education Foundation Directors and District administrators visited each campus, entered classrooms and presented surprised teachers with oversized checks.
"There are many worthwhile programs the GCISD would like students
and teachers to benefit from, but with our current state finance laws,
we cannot afford them," said Janice Kane, Foundation executive director.
"The Foundation allows us to fund teacher-initiated projects and
student programs that enhances the education in GCISD."
All GCISD teachers are eligible to apply for grant money. Grants were
awarded for projects ranging from science, math and reading improvement
to technology and construction of an outdoor study center.
In addition, the GCISD Elementary Teacher of the Year is recognized with a gift of $2,500 annually, thanks to the generosity of Jim Lucas who established in 1998 the Helen Harbison Lucas Endowment. The Foundation has been able to award the GCISD Secondary Teacher of the Year with a gift of $2,500, as well; however, beginning in 2008, the Secondary Teacher of the Year gift will be given in the name of the John T. and Janis A. Eubanks Endowment, thanks to the generosity of the Mr. and Mrs. Eubanks.