The Klein ISD Education Foundation (KEF) acknowledged its business partners and key donors at a Community Luncheon on Feb. 28, 2014, at Shirley Acres. Ed Shackelford, board president for KEF, announced to more than 210 people in attendance that the Foundation has exceeded its goal and raised $344,253 already in the 2013-14 school year. Since 2001, the KEF has awarded 288 teacher grants totaling $1,132,152.

It’s very rewarding for both the directors and the students of the Klein ISD because all of the funds go to a very worthy cause,” expressed Shackelford. “We want to show our teachers that we support what they do in the classroom. We are very grateful to be able to give back to them.”

At the luncheon, Stephanie Green, director of information literacy in Klein ISD, shared that the Reading Express Bus, initially funded by KEF, had a record run during summer 2013. Green stated that from June 12-July 27, the Reading Express had 6,500 books checked out.

Like the Reading Express, the KEF has a mission to provide funding for initiatives that will impact all Klein ISD students. This past June the KEF hosted the Diamonds & Denim Jubilee to celebrate Klein ISD’s 75th anniversary. The Jubilee served as a fundraiser, raising $105,000 for the first-ever Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math (STEAM) Express. Adam Hile, Klein ISD director of curriculum & instruction, shared information about the STEAM Express.

STEAM Express is a retro-fitted trailer that will visit campuses year-round and provide teachers with new and exciting hands-on learning opportunities, allowing students to travel outside the normal classroom experience in the areas of science, technology, engineering, arts and math. STEAM Express is set to rollout to campuses starting the 2014-15 school year.

During the luncheon, the KEF recognized key donors who made contributions of $2,500-$37,500 during 2013-14. In total the foundation recognized 30 business and individuals for donating $208,670. To view a list of donors, click here.

“It’s always special to give back to Klein as I graduated from Klein Forest,” said Jason Bailey partner with Perdue Brandon Fielder Collins & Mott, LLP Attorneys at Law. “As a company, we pride ourselves with giving back to the community and we see the great job that the district does in educating our children and how the KEF assists in this effort.”

The final check presentation acknowledged 2013-14 contributions by Klein ISD employees to the Foundation. Cindy Doyle, director of KEF, announced that through payroll deductions, employees have generously donated $26,352. Also during the luncheon, the foundation collected $8,350 in donations from individuals and businesses in attendance.

“The donations represented all crosswalks of life in our community,” said Doyle. “From personal to corporate donations, we are ever so grateful for the support we receive from everyone in the Klein community. Their generosity is essential to the KEF being able to provide grants and staff development opportunities.”

To see photos of this year’s donors and luncheon, click here. To learn more about the foundation, visit kleinisd.net/kef.