JISD
JISD
Jacksonville Independent
School District
Jacksonville Independent
School District
Sharpening Skills
Challenging Minds
Sharpening Skills
Challenging Minds
Sharpening Skills, Challenging Minds
Home Parent/Student Information Student Services Campuses Administration Support Services Employment Site Map Links
Related Links:






Jacksonville Education FoundationJeff Austin, III, Vice Chairman of Austin Bank and President of the Jacksonville Education Foundation announced the kick-off campaign for the Jacksonville Education Foundation, Inc. which includes plans to raise an initial $100,000 in corporate contributions. Austin Bank, which employs 32 graduates of Jacksonville High School, has made a much anticipated lead gift to kick-off the campaign.

“Austin Bank highly values our children and their education. Our donation is designed to challenge JHS graduates, local businesses and any citizen that would like to join us in supporting this worthwhile cause,” said Nathan Jones, Austin Bank Regional President.

The mission of the Foundation is to support improvement of academic performance of Jacksonville Independent School District and continuing education.

The Foundation may accept donations and bequeathments the school district is not allowed to accept. Donations may be designated for capital improvements, student scholarships, teacher stipends, certifications or other purposes.

“Austin Bank is proud to be a part of this educational campaign,” stated Sissy Austin, Senior Executive Vice President of Austin Bank and JHS graduate. “We want to make others aware of the importance of giving back to the community and the many ways we can help.”

Efforts made by the original foundation, formed in 1992 by a group of Jacksonville High School graduates, are now being picked up by Jeff Austin, III and a steering committee eager to move forward. The Jacksonville Education Foundation Board is comprised of the JISD superintendent ex-officio, parent and teacher representatives, and directors from alumni groups and the community. Board members include Jeff Austin, III, Barry Hughes, Sean McRight, Joe Teague, Freida Scully, Jana Bateman, Julie Duren, and Billie Hopson. The members will serve staggered terms.

Others who have contributed include Jeff Austin, Jr., Mary Green, Mary Sue Bruno, Matt Montgomery, Dick Stone, Stuart Byrd, Garry Minton, Dr. Tim Field, David Stone, the late Allan Balch, and local attorney, Eldridge Moak, for setting up the organizational papers.

“We appreciate all the assistance and support from former JISD Superintendent Stuart Bird and are looking forward to working with the new Superintendent, Dr. Joe Wardell,” said Jeff Austin, III.

“The Foundation will not compete with the band, drama, football, or any other school fundraisers. It’s a separate entity,” said Jeff Austin, III, a 1980 JHS graduate. “The Foundation will work with the school district on common goals and is structured to help build a long-term support base for education. We want to leave a legacy in Jacksonville.”

Other successful ISD foundations in the area include Tyler, Palestine, Carthage, Van, and Henderson.

For further information, contact Jeff Austin, III at 903-541-2093, P.O. Box 951, Jacksonville, TX 75766.