It’s a new year, and Nacogdoches ISD Education Foundation still has even more accomplishments to celebrate.
During Tuesday’s “Back to School at the Baxter” event, Foundation Executive Director Erin Windham announced new fundraising triumphs, including the commitment to another $500,000 match challenge by Nacogdoches entrepreneur and philanthropist Bill Elliott and the Micky Elliott Family Foundation.
Windham announced additional financial support from the Charles and Lois Marie Bright Foundation in the form of a second $110,000 award coming in October, a $10,000 donation from the Massey Rose Foundation and $5,000 from Nacogdoches Area United Way.
Additionally, NISD teachers and staff have pledged $37,000 in contributions for the new school year, increasing total district buy-in to the Foundation at more than $100,000 since 2023.
The financial commitments are pushing the Foundation’s endowment to more than $1 million, securing a long-term commitment by NEF to fund innovative teacher grants for years.
Commercial Bank of Texas served as host for the celebration on Tuesday.
“This new match challenge has opened doors for new funding sources and new opportunities for partnerships right here in our community,” Windham told those in attendance.
A $350,000 commitment earlier this year from the Moody Foundation is funding equipment and opportunities in the district’s career and technical education department while allowing Nacogdoches ISD to strengthen its partnerships with area employers, part of an ongoing effort to expand and improve workforce development in East Texas.
“It really has changed the way we do business in our CTE program,” Windham said.
NHS teacher Andrew Touchette and senior Sebastian Darville demonstrated a VEX workcell, a robotic arm donated by Eaton Corp. that students can use to learn programming and problem solving skills that translate to the workplace.
New NISD Superintendent Grey Burton welcomed those in attendance at the Baxter building located downtown.
“We’re grateful for the commitment and what we’re doing,” Burton said. “This partnership is so beneficial to NISD. And it’s not just the money but the time you’re committing to this.”
Lori Knight, Tri-Agency & Special Projects Manager at Texas Workforce Commission, was also on hand Tuesday. Knight shared a letter of commendation from TWC Executive Director Edward Serna.
“Texas Workforce Commission commends Nacogdoches Independent School District Education Foundation and Mr. Bill Elliott for the vision and leadership in raising over $1 million to develop career-connected learning pathways aligned to regional workforce development priorities,” Knight read. “Mr. Elliott’s commitment serves as an inspiring example of how businesses can invest in the future workforce and ensure students have the skills and opportunities they need to succeed.”
Nacogdoches ISD Education Foundation is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization formed in 2022 to raise funds to create opportunities for excellence in education, promote innovation in teaching, and partner with the community to enhance the quality of education for all students. The board of directors is made up of community leaders and volunteers from around Nacogdoches.