TISD Foundation Awards $13,000 to Support Fine Arts Programs

TYLER –The visual and performing arts programs in Tyler public schools received support in the form of a $13,000 contribution on Thursday. The Tyler ISD Foundation awarded the funds to the Tyler ISD Fine Arts Department during the district’s school board meeting. The contribution came as part of the foundation’s annual commitment thanks to a major donation from the Frances Cowan Gibson Charitable Lead Trust, according to a TISD Foundation news release. The foundation established the Frances Cowan Gibson Tyler ISD Fine Arts Endowment at the East Texas Communities Foundation in 2014 to benefit under-funded and innovative art projects throughout the Tyler Independent School District, according to the release.

The gift to the Tyler ISD Foundation from the Frances Cowan Gibson Charitable Lead Trust will total more than $580,000. The endowment was created through a partnership between the Tyler ISD Foundation and the East Texas Communities Foundation to provide annual grants to the Tyler ISD fine arts department. TISD Foundation President Marc Loredo, Executive Director Maya Bethany, and Vice President of Finance and Governance Tab Beall presented TISD Director of Fine Arts George Faber, Superintendent Dr. Marty Crawford and the board of trustees with the $13,000 check. The Foundation presented $12,000 to the fine arts department from the endowed fund in 2014. Mrs. Francis Cowan Gibson passed away in April 2012. Her family stated they would like their “mother’s love of music, education and the city of Tyler to serve as an example while inspiring others to contribute.”

Tyler ISD Foundation President Marc Loredo stressed the importance of proving artistic outlets for students as part of a well-rounded curriculum. “The Tyler ISD Foundation is proud to show a continued commitment in supporting the fine arts programs that are available in our wonderful schools,” Loredo said. “It is through these endeavors that our future leaders hone their skills of public speaking, improvisation, and creativity. These are all skills that will be invaluable as we look for today’s students to become tomorrow’s community leaders.”

The 2014 funds were used to purchase software and equipment to establish the music and media programs at both John Tyler and Robert E. Lee High Schools. The donation was also applied to the elementary strings programs and professional development for fine arts educators.