Santa Teresa Charitable Foundation donates $19000 to local elementary schools

The Gadsden Independent Schools District held a school board meeting on March 21, 2025, focusing on various initiatives and updates within the district. The meeting commenced with expressions of gratitude for recent performances, setting a positive tone for the discussions ahead.

The first agenda item highlighted the partnership with the Santa Teresa Charitable Foundation. Mr. Pacheco and his team presented the foundation's 2024 report, detailing how funds were invested in the school district. Notably, the foundation announced a generous donation of $19,000, which included $3,000 for each of the following schools: Desert View Elementary, Riverside Elementary, Santa Teresa Elementary, La Union Elementary, Yucca Heights Elementary, and Chaparral Elementary. Additionally, $1,000 was allocated for the Teacher of the Year event, underscoring the foundation's commitment to supporting local education.

Following this, the board recognized Down Syndrome Awareness Day, scheduled for the next day. Miss Rodriguez from the Special Education Department encouraged board members to participate in "Rock Your Socks Day," providing mismatched socks and pins to promote awareness. The initiative aims to foster support for individuals with Down syndrome, and board members were reminded to wear their items in solidarity.

The meeting then transitioned to an update on parent communication through the Remind app. As of March 20, nearly 31,000 messages had been sent, with a successful delivery rate of 92%. This data reflects the district's ongoing efforts to enhance communication between schools and families, ensuring that important information reaches parents effectively.

In conclusion, the meeting showcased the district's collaborative efforts with community partners and highlighted initiatives aimed at raising awareness and improving communication. The board's commitment to supporting educational programs and fostering community engagement was evident throughout the discussions.