About the Foundation

The Beaumont Public Schools Foundation, Inc. is a separate unit from the Beaumont Independent School District but cooperates with the District as both seek to enhance the academic opportunities for students. Its goal is to reward innovative learning ideas and to encourage students to achieve academic excellence through creative projects.

Mission

The mission of the Beaumont Public Schools Foundation, Inc. (BPSF) is to fund grants for projects to enhance teaching and learning in the Beaumont Independent School District (BISD) and to receive and administer gifts for other educational purposes for BISD students.

History

The Beaumont Public Schools Foundation, Inc. was born from the vision of Beaumont ISD Superintendent, Dr. Jerry Mallett. Dr. Mallett believed the District needed an organization of education advocates that would support staff and students as they strive for academic excellence. In February of 1993, Dr. Mallett invited community leaders and parents to discuss the creation of an education foundation. Attendees represented the diverse Beaumont community and were very receptive to the idea. Within six weeks, the Beaumont Public Schools Foundation, Inc. was formed and had applied for non-profit status. In addition, the organization elected a Board of Directors, adopted bylaws, and began soliciting funds to feed the endowment fund.

Governance

The BPSF is governed by a Board of Directors who serve three-year terms. Directors have a strong commitment to the organization’s mission with over half serving seven or more years. The BPSF also consists of an Advisory Council that supports the Board of Directors. The Foundation has a full-time Executive Director whose salary is solely funded by the Foundation.

Program of Work

The BPSF primarily gives grants to staff and students for innovative classroom projects. The Board gives grants twice a year: once each semester. A committee of directors reads the grants and makes recommendations to the entire board. Once the grants are chosen, a caravan of directors, BISD administrators, and community supporters present the winners with requested materials. The BPSF also administers two memorial scholarships: the Joan Nathan Gross Graphic Arts Scholarship, and the John Hodges Memorial Scholarship. In the fall of 2005, the BPSF extended its support of BISD by donating $4,000 to purchase clothing and school supplies for students affected by Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. Further, the BPSF became the repository of all funds donated for students needs.