A Word From Leadership
Cameka L Crawford, CFRE President
Lauri Kelley Board Chair
This year was a defining one for The Richardson ISD Foundation. We not only celebrated new milestones in our mission, but also strengthened our structure to better serve the students and educators who inspire our work.
For more than 41 years, the Foundation has partnered with students, educators, and community members to create meaningful change. Since 1984, we’ve proudly invested more than $8.8 million in programs that spark academic achievement, fuel creativity, and strengthen our schools.
In 2024–2025, we took an important step forward by transitioning to a fully independent staffing model. Our team is now employed directly by the Foundation, enhancing our ability to align resources, strengthen collaboration, and advance our shared goals with RISD.
From growing our grants and scholarships to launching new opportunities for staff recognition and innovation, we continue to build a culture of excellence and equity throughout RISD. Looking ahead, our vision remains bold: to grow our impact, reach more students, and create even more pathways to success.
Among our most exciting efforts is Beyond the Bell, a new afterschool initiative designed to help elementary students at Title I schools thrive. Launching in fiscal year 2025–2026, Beyond the Bell will offer engaging, no-cost clubs in sports, arts, and STEM—helping students explore their interests, build confidence, and discover their potential.
Thank you for being part of this journey. Together, we are shaping a future where every student has the opportunity to learn, lead, and succeed.
Our Purpose, Desires and Principles That Drive Our Foundation.
Meet Rowan Moore
Richardson High School, Class of 2025
Rowan received a Foundation scholarship and now attends Texas A&M University. Here’s what this scholarship meant for her:
“It means so much to be supported by my community. This scholarship gives me confidence that others believe in my goals and want to help me succeed. It also reminds me that Richardson ISD and The Foundation are serious about helping students grow and supporting innovation in education. It helps take off some of the financial pressure and lets me focus more on learning, growing, and getting involved in college life. Knowing the Foundation invests where it matters most makes me feel supported and motivated to keep reaching for my goals.”
FY 24-25 Highlights
Because of your generosity...
$58K+ in Foundation grants supported educators’ creativity, professional growth, and classroom innovation.
$105K+ raised to purchase backpacks and school supplies for RISD elementary students for a strong start to the year.
$117K+
funded to expand student learning through innovative STEM, leadership, and enrichment experiences.
An Impact Grant in Action!
Molly Fawkes, Pre-K Teacher Northlake Elementary School
Molly received a $650 Student Experience Grant to bring the Blackland Prairie Raptor Center to her campus, where students engaged with live raptors and explored their unique adaptations, sparking curiosity and learning beyond the classroom.
“The importance of experiences for our students to apply classroom knowledge and broaden their understanding. These experiences will impact their learning for years to come.Students were able to make real world connections to content. Students loved the hands-on experiences.”
FY 24-25 Highlights
Because of your generosity...
$63K in scholarships helped RISD graduating seniors turn college and career goals into reality.
$68K+ in staff recognition awards celebrated excellence across RISD, more than doubling the amount given in FY23-24.
$8.8M+
Meet Nneka Pearl Menye
Lake Highlands High School, Class of 2025
Nneka received the Dr. Carolyn G. Bukhair AVID Scholarship presented by the Richards Douglass Family and now attends Texas A&M University. Here’s what this scholarship meant for her:
“Receiving this scholarship means I can focus on my education and I can set the stage towards creating a better future for myself and my family. As a high school student, every advanced class I took and every A I received was in preparation for my academic and professional goal of becoming a psychologist. I am aiming to improve people’s mental well-being and their personal relationship with themselves and others.”
invested in RISD students, teachers, and staff over 41 years of generosity, innovation, and impact. www.richardsonisdfoundation.org
FY 24-25 Financial Snapshot
An Impact Grant in Action!
Jennifer Schroeder, Principal Intern Mohawk Elementary School
Jennifer received a $1,000 professional grant to continue her Master’s in Educational Leadership.
“As a Principal Intern, this grant represented more than just financial support—it was a clear message from the district that it values and invests in its educators. The opportunity allowed me to gain new knowledge, build leadership capacity, and connect with others who are equally committed to elevating our schools. It reinforced the district’s commitment to professional growth and showed that our development is a priority. This experience has been both empowering and affirming, and I’m grateful to be part of a district that champions its people.”
FY 24-25 Financial Snapshot
FY 24-25 Board of Directors
We are grateful to our Board of Directors for your dedication and belief in our mission.
Lauri Kelley Board Chair
Kadra Alexander Chair Elect & Vice Chair, Strategic Planning
John Cuellar Board Secretary
Tyler Farrer Treasurer & Vice Chair, Fiscal Committee
Richard Ramey Vice Chair, Board Development & Governance
Chi Nguyen Vice Chair, Education & Programs
Kristine Schwope Vice Chair, Fund Development
Anne Brownlee Vice Chair, Marketing
Gerald Bright, J.D.
Elizabeth Calvo, J.D.
Anne Foster
Moosa Madha
Tammy L. Richards
Christian Rider
Dr. Eileen Rosenblum
Dr. Carolyn Bukhair Emeritus Board Member
EX OFFICIO MEMBERS:
Tabitha Branum
RISD Superintendent
Debbie Rentería
RISD Board of Trustees Liaison Secretary
Dr. Melissa Heller
RISD Assistant
Superintendent of Strategy & Engagement
With heartfelt thanks to our partners and donors whose generosity strengthens our schools and helps every student and educator achieve their goals.
First United Methodist Church Richardson ▪ Network of Community Ministries, Inc.
▪ Prosperity Bank ▪ Allstate Foundation ▪ HKS ▪ Horace Mann Educators Foundation ▪
Perkins & Will ▪ RTX ▪ RLG Consulting Engineers ▪ Dallas College - Richland Campus ▪ Grace Church Lake Highlands ▪ Lake Highlands UMC ▪ Methodist Richardson Medical Center ▪ Mosaic Church of Richardson ▪ Spring Valley United Methodist Church ▪ BRW Architects ▪ H-E-B Tournament of Champions Charitable Trust ▪ Hill & Wilkinson General Contractors ▪ Linda Cox ▪ PBK Architects ▪ The Richards
Douglass Family ▪ America’s Credit Union ▪ City Of Richardson ▪ Lake Highlands Public Improvement District ▪ National Council of Jewish Women Greater Dallas ▪
Randolph-Brooks Federal Credit Union ▪ Arapaho United Methodist Church ▪ BEAM Professionals ▪ Cadence McShane Construction ▪ Carolyn & Denton Newham ▪
Doug & Adrienne Burnside ▪ Elizabeth Calvo ▪ Rescue Air & Plumbing ▪ Ryan Deyear ▪ Thompson & Horton, LLP ▪ Omar & Annie Vicente Family Fund ▪ Brett Rheder ▪ Drs. Eileen & Harvey Rosenblum ▪ Braun Intertec ▪ Corgan ▪ Gerald Bright, J.D. ▪ Philip Sedlacek ▪ RWB Consulting Engineers ▪ Ginger Mayo ▪ William Methenitis ▪ Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas ▪ Anne Foster ▪ Patti Kieker ▪ Charles & Pamela Rothermel ▪ Texas Bank and Trust ▪ Jon & Alicia Abel
And countless other dedicated donors whose generosity sustains our mission!