The Brownwood Foundation for Excellence is making a comeback after a period of inactivity, with many projects in their sights according to Brownwood Independent School District Superintendent Dr. Reece Blincoe.
The Brownwood Foundation for Excellence is a group of individuals made up of ex-students, community members, parents, local business owners, retired professionals and more that are dedicated to providing funding for Brownwood ISD student activities in which students are striving to attain a level of excellence. The foundation may also collect, administer and distribute gifts for Brownwood Independent School District’s educational programs and projects as designated by the donor or grantor.
Current board members of the foundation had planned to reorganize and solicit applications for new members, when unexpectedly; an anonymous donor gave $300,000 to the foundation specifying that it be used for improvements at the Brownwood High School girls’ softball stadium. These improvements are in the planning phases with new bleachers to increase crowd capacity to about 600 (currently about 100), new concession stands, mutli-stall restrooms, and a new press box.
“This donation just basically fell on our desk, it was not something we solicited,” said Blincoe. “The donor came forward and stated that he wanted to do this. We already have the check in our hands.”Blincoe explained that with the money being in-hand, the project will get underway soon and is expected to be completed before the coming season begins. He stated that BISD already had replaced some netting at the stadiums and has plans to work on some of the fences around the softball and baseball fields. He said that this donation and project is very exciting as it will turn the softball stadium into a premier facility which will benefit not only the students and school district but also the community’s economy.
With the improvements, the facility will become a desired location for playoff games and tournaments.
“We can look at this as a 10-year investment because we are going to get playoff games because this will be a premier facility,” Blincoe said. “Having these games will help our booster clubs raise money and will bring more dollars into our community with hotel stays and eating out, when families come to these playoff games.”
The stadium will be more comfortable for its guests as the bleachers will have overhangs that will provide shelter when it rains and shade on hot, sunny days. The new restroom facilities will have more stalls as required by city code to serve the crowd capacity of the stadium.
Although this project is exciting, Blincoe stated that the foundation will be working in the near future to fund other projects which may include things such as scholarships for students, scholarships for teachers (to attend workshops or fund certain classroom projects), and other things that will help BISD and all that the district does for the students.
Blincoe stated that the foundation will be receiving funds soon from other fundraising projects such as a deal with Direct Energy (BISD will receive a portion of proceeds when customers switch their electric to the company) and debit cards which will be offered through Western Bank (BISD will receive a portion of each transaction made with Brownwood Lion debit cards).
“We are going to look for ways to partner with businesses to raise money for the foundation,” said Blincoe. “We don’t want to compete with our student groups that are fundraising, so we are going to be creative.” He explained that the foundation may in the future also send out letters to alumni requesting their financial support.
Once re-established (with new members to fill vacancies), the board will decide on their mission. Previously the board had considered funding to things that weren’t athletics related, such as fine arts and academic UIL, he explained. Often athletic programs have funding from their booster or parent clubs, said Blincoe.
Blincoe stated that current board members are being contacted to see if they still desire to serve, and those that have passed away or do not wish to serve will be replaced with new applicants. Those interested in serving as a potential board member for the Brownwood Foundation for Excellence, are asked to fill out the online form at www.brownwoodisd.org/foundation or contact Karen Dempsey at 325-643-5644 to be added to a list of possible nominees.
Existing Foundation for Excellence directors will select nominees from those individuals that express interest, and those who are nominated will be notified before a final vote is made to accept new members.
