The Tomball Education Foundation FAQ provides information to those of us unfamiliar with the organization, service, and product. Website FAQs are the trending way to address common knowledge gaps in an online forum.
For example, the Tomball Independent School District dedicates one website page to Transportation FAQs. This page is extremely helpful to both new families and longtime residents with school bus-riding students.
Some of the most frequently asked questions we receive about the Tomball Education Foundation include:
What Is an Educational Foundation?
An educational foundation is a private or not-for-profit organization set up to educate the media and public. Educational foundations often act as charitable benefactors, raising funds for and awarding scholarships and grants. – Learn.org
Public schools get their funding from local property taxes, state funding, and federal funds. Schools in wealthier districts get more money and property-poor districts get less.
Many believe Texas school funding is unfair in many ways. For example, in Texas, when property taxes rise, school funding doesn’t always increase proportionately. Texas also consistently ranks among the lowest states in per-student educational spending. There are approximately 419 K-12 educational foundations in Texas and most were formed to provide their teachers and students not only a level playing field when competing with wealthier communities, but also an educational advantage.
Tomball Education Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that exists solely to raise funds for the Tomball, TX public schools. The organization develops fundraising projects and enlists sponsorships. Financial donations are used to:
- Facilitate student achievement and skill development
- Recognize and encourage staff excellence
- Expand community involvement
What’s the Difference Between PTAs, PTOs, Booster Clubs, and TEF?
Parent-teacher associations and parent-teacher organizations are vital to a school’s student/parent community. These groups work at the school or district level. Usually, each school has only one PTA or PTO. Booster clubs focus on one activity or curriculum. One school can have an athletics booster club, “band boosters,” and other hyper-focused organizations that support a special student interest.
For the most part, PTAs, PTOs, and booster clubs are organized and maintained by like-minded parents. They often create by-laws, have officers, and apply for tax-exempt status. Students and schools benefit greatly from the support of these invested parents.
Tomball Education Foundation membership often includes parents of currently enrolled students, but the organization was founded by and includes direct involvement of community leaders, other civic organization members, educational supporters, Tomball schools’ alumni, and local businesses. Its mission is to develop programs and grants that support students, Tomball Independent School District educators, and school administrators.
The Tomball Education Foundation’s mission is to develop and allocate resources to enrich, enhance, and maximize the quality of education for all students. TEF provides funds for educational projects and activities that are beyond traditional funding.
Funds are used to facilitate student achievement and skill development, recognize, and encourage staff excellence, and expand community involvement from individuals, businesses, and civic organizations.
The Foundation is governed by a board of directors who represent a cross-section of the community and have a sincere interest in Tomball Independent School District educational enhancement and opportunity.
Why Should I Support TEF?
In a 50-state ranking of educational attainment and quality of education in the USA, Texas ranks 41. There is little-to-no state funding that fully supports the types of educational programs that can make a real difference. Of 150 cities/suburbs, Houston, The Woodlands, and Sugar Land ranked below-median at 91.
A “good education” isn’t dependent on degrees and certifications. A truly good education gives our students the abilities to develop and manage life goals. Future dreams begin when our teachers and schools have the tools they need to create excitement in learning.
We believe Tomball students deserve to dream.
And if you live in Tomball, these are your kids.
Your legacy could be contributing to U.S., Texas, and Tomball’s ability to compete and prosper in a global environment. And because our kids are our future, supporting TEF will be one of the best investments you can make:
- Donate – TEF is an all-volunteer organization. Your donation will be directly used to enrich, enhance, and maximize the quality of education for Tomball ISD students.
- Sponsor – We are grateful to local businesses and organizations that partner and sponsor TEF events and programs:
- Volunteer – It was said that Benjamin Franklin invented the American Dream. We want to give Tomball students the ability to dream big! He also said, “Time is money” and we appreciate people willing to help by donating your time.
Statistically, Tomball Independent School District educational facilities are among the best schools in the State of Texas. We believe we help make that happen, and you can too. For more information, contact Tomball Education Foundation.
Yes! D4I (Donation 4 Innovation) is available for all TISD employees. A small donation can make a huge difference! And any level of giving is tax-deductible. To learn more, go to: https://tomballedfoundation.com/ways-to-give/#d4i.
TEF Innovative Learning Grants 2023 awarded thirty-five grants to 84 teachers! The application process for 2024-2025 school year grants will resume in October 2024. For more information, go to: https://tomballedfoundation.com/news/tef-2024-etrain-grants-125430/.
