August 25, 2011 — The Klein Education Foundation (KEF) continues to support Klein ISD students and staff by announcing its new officers and funding initiatives for 2011-12. The KEF will launch a $50,000 Lead the Spark grant for district administrators as a part of its Be the Spark capital campaign. The Foundation will also provide $75,000 for professional development training for 150 KISD intermediate educators.

The 2011-12 KEF officers include:
President: Shamael Mustafa
First Vice President: Enrique Lima
Second Vice President: Brent Christiansen
Secretary: Dr. Jim Cain
Treasurer: Cindy Hardy
Members at-large: Belinda Menasco, Kurt Schwenkel and Ed Shackelford

“Klein ISD is very fortunate to have such an outstanding Education Foundation and community,” expressed Dr. Jim Cain, superintendent of Klein ISD. “With their dedication and support, our students and educators can continue to excel both personally and professionally.”

The purpose of the Be the Spark campaign is intended for the Foundation to fund more innovative classroom grants within the district. The Lead the Spark grant is open to campus administrators within KISD to help support existing or new student programs and/or faculty trainings at their campus. Applications can be submitted throughout the year and are evaluated by both KISD curriculum and instruction officers and the KEF board of directors. Grant amounts are awarded between $5,000 and $25,000, with up to $50,000 available during the upcoming school year.

The KEF board of directors also approved $75,000 to fund the Capturing Kids’ Hearts training for the second straight year. Capturing Kids’ Hearts is a three-day learning experience that provides tools for administrators, faculty and staff to build positive, productive, and trusting relationships among themselves and with students.

The KEF is hosting its 10th annual Klein Classic Golf Tournament on Tuesday, October 18, at Gleannloch Pines Country Club. For more information on the golf tournament and upcoming events, or to donate to the Klein Education Foundation, click here.