Brownwood, TX — The Brownwood Education Foundation (BEF) is proud to announce the award of over $21,000 in Classroom Grants to teachers in Brownwood ISD—doubling the amount granted last year, thanks to the overwhelming generosity of our donors and supporters of our annual Country Gala.

These grants directly support innovative classroom projects and educational tools that will enrich the learning experience for BISD students. From STEM Robotics kits to creative arts programs, these funds empower educators to go beyond traditional resources and engage students in new and impactful ways.

“We’re incredibly grateful to our donors for believing in the mission of the Brownwood Education Foundation,” said Danielle Rosborough, Executive Coordinator. “This year’s growth in giving means more opportunities for our teachers and students to thrive in the classroom. And it only gets better from here!”

Several of this year’s grants were made possible by the contributions from our 2025 Gala Grant Sponsors, including:

• Erich Wallschlaeger Grant
• McNeese Law Group Grant
• Olivares Family Grant
• GolfMart Grant
• Sparks Insurance Agency Grant
• The Wells Team Grant
• Haynes Law Firm Grant
• Avodah Roofing Grant
• ANONYMOUS
• Christopher D. Brown, Attorney at Law Grant
• Big Country Ford Grant
• Central Texas Farm Credit Grant
• Grimsley Electric Grant
• Strong Business Solutions Grant
• Longhorn Mini Storages Grant
• V-Ranch Grant
• Martin Family Grant

Their commitment to supporting public education in Brownwood reflects a shared vision of academic excellence and community partnership.
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The Brownwood Education Foundation is dedicated to enhancing educational opportunities by funding initiatives that foster creativity, innovation, and student success. With the support of our donors, we continue to make a lasting difference in the lives of students and educators throughout BISD. Please plan to attend this year’s BEF Country Gala on Saturday, September 27, 2025 to continue the incredible growth made possible by the Brownwood community’s involvement in education. Tickets available at: www.supportbisd.com/countrygala

For more information about the Brownwood Education Foundation or to learn how to become a donor, visit www.supportbisd.com.

“Education is not preparation for life; education is life itself” (John Dewey). The Brownwood Education Foundation (BEF) supports Brownwood ISD teachers and students in various methods throughout the school year. On Tuesday, August 6th, BEF awarded BISD teachers with grant funds for the 2024-25 school year. Every application that was submitted was successfully funded. BEF’s grants are made possible through generous donations from the community, as well as ongoing fundraising efforts. “This year, we were able to fully fund all teacher grant applications. That is so exciting,” said Danielle Rosborough, BEF Executive Coordinator. “We look forward to upcoming new applications that show innovative thinking for the classrooms and for students—this is all for them.” Teachers who received a grant submitted a proposal to the BEF in the spring of 2024 to prepare for the new school year.
 
Over $13,900 went to various teachers across the Brownwood school district. The following teachers received grants for their various projects:
 

• Kacey Humphries, Tami Hull, Gene Brandstetter, Chelsey Lipsey
  $5,166.74 – Seeing The Little Things (Microscopes)
• Tami Hull
  $3,890.00 – BHS Biology Lab Enhancements
• Brittany Estess, Kristi Owen
  $883.97 – Enhancing Student Participation
• Keri John, Alexis Senkirik
  $735.00 – Kindergarten STEM Stations
• Angela Fabbiani
  $975.00 – Thinkapalooza
• Leah Lee, Stephanie Morton, Jessica Gamblin, Dawn Hilburn
  $263.74 – Serving GT in the General Ed Class
• Brec Espinoza
  $2,000.00 – BISD Dyslexia Parent Night

 
BEF funds innovative learning opportunities for students across all BISD campuses. The organization raises funds through community outreach programs, such as the upcoming Country Gala to be held on Saturday, September 28th, at the Brownwood Event Center. The Country Gala will feature a George Strait cover band, food trucks, and a catered sponsor event before the concert begins. To find out more information or purchase tickets, visit SupportBISD.com/CountryGala.
 
“Brownwood’s Education Foundation continues to pursue fun new ways to engage donors and bring even greater resources to BISD schools,” Rosborough said. “We’re passionate about the day-to-day encounters teachers and students have, and we have the ability to enhance those environments through Grants, Scholarships and Awards. Without a doubt, our community is positioned to make this a success!”

Article by: Sara Musgrove

“Learning is not attained by chance, it must be sought for with ardor and attended to with diligence” (Abigail Adams). The Brownwood Education Foundation (BEF) invests in the lives of Brownwood ISD teachers and students. On Wednesday, August 9th, they awarded BISD teachers with grant funds for the 2023-24 school year. BEF’s grants were made possible through generous donations from the community, as well as ongoing fundraising efforts. “The Foundation makes positive impacts in the lives of our students and teachers that are measurable and life-changing,” said Eric Evans, the Brownwood Education Foundation Board Vice President. Over $10,500 went to various teachers across the Brownwood school district. The following teachers received grants for their various projects:
 

• Kristi Owen at all campuses - $2,000.000

                    Eclipse Safety Glasses
 

• Christina Jenkins, Starla Tedford, Stephen Skelton, Craig Jackson, Edward Sena at Brownwood Middle School - $432

                    Artifact Museum
 

• Tim Thomas, Johna Elliott, Grace Randolph, Mendy Green at Brownwood Middle School - $1,520.00

                    The Curious World of Atoms
 

• Reed Ellett, Melissa Joyer, Danielle Allen, Leslie Anaya, Rebecca Faulkner at SPED All Campuses - $1,070.00

                    Sensory Integration
 

• Mitzi Cockerham at Brownwood Middle School - $891.00

                    Welder to Silversmith
 

• Martha Woods at Northwest Elementary School - $3,080.00

                    Little Engineers
 

• Christi Camp, Melody Hashberger at Brownwood Middle School - $1,125.00

                    Hands-On Equations

• Rhonda Tippit at Coggin Elementary School - $395.00

                    “CASH” in on Life’s Lessons

Teachers who received a grant submitted a proposal to the BEF in the spring of 2023 to prepare for the new school year. BEF looks to fund innovative learning opportunities for students across all BISD campuses. “When we can help teachers engage their students in creative and sometimes alternative methods, everyone benefits,” Evans said. BEF raises funds through community outreach programs, such as the upcoming Lion’s Pride annual fundraiser to be held on Saturday, October 21st. To find out more information regarding the annual fundraiser, visit SupportBISD.com. 

Article by: Sara Musgrove