Published: March 23, 2009 11:03 pm      

Banking on a sound foundation

Special to The Daily Progress

Austin Bank and Jacksonville school officials gathered Monday afternoon at the bank to kick-off a fund-raising campaign for the Jacksonville Education Foundation Inc. The mission of the Foundation is to support improvement of academic performance of Jacksonville Independent School District and continuing education.

Plans are for the foundation to raise an initial $100,000 in corporate contributions. Nathan Jones, Austin Bank regional president, got things off to a good start with a $10,000 donation from the bank, which employs 32 Jacksonville High School graduates. He presented a check to Dr. Joe Wardell, Jacksonville Independent School District’s new superintendent. Also on hand was Stuart Bird, the retiring JISD superintendent.

“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,” Jones said.

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,” said Sissy Austin, senior executive vice president of Austin Bank and a 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, vice chairman of Austin Bank and foundation president, 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 Bird, Garry Minton, Dr. Tim Field, David Stone, the late Allan Balch, and local attorney Eldridge Moak, who set 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 those in Tyler, Palestine, Carthage, Van and Henderson.

For more information, go to www.iack.sprnet.org or contact Jeff Austin III at 903-541-2093, P.O. Box 951, Jacksonville, TX 75766.