June 16, 2006

News Release

Elementary Playground Campaign Receives Leadership Gift

Students at Owens Elementary may have a new playground when they return to school next fall, thanks to a large leadership donation to their playground equipment fund campaign.

A.S. Genecov Foundation has donated $25,000 to the Tyler ISD Foundation designated to the construction of a new playground for the kindergarten through fifth grade students at Owens Elementary, according to Larry Goddard, Tyler ISD Foundation executive director.  The goal of the campaign is $42,000.  Other donations will come from PTA funding as well as student fundraising activities.

“The Genecov Foundation has played an integral part in the success of our students and teachers for many years,” stated Michael Thomas, Tyler ISD President.  “When the Foundation was first established in 1990, one of the initial charter contributions was from the A.S. Genecov Foundation and they have remained one of most generous donors during the past 18 years,” Thomas said.

“The previous playground equipment at the campus was wooden and was considered unsafe and was removed,” said Goddard. “The proposed playground equipment will adhere to all safety standards for elementary students.  Playground equipment is a vital part of the educational experience and creates a healthy atmosphere on a campus.”

Principal Linda Payne will be chairing the campaign over the summer months and hopes to have the full amount donated so that the playground equipment can be installed for the first day of classes in August.

Other donations are being sought from community funders.  Interested donors may send donations to the Tyler ISD Foundation, P.O. Box 2035, Tyler, Texas 75710 or 1319 New Sunnybrook, Tyler, Texas 75701.  Questions may be directed to the Foundation@tylerisd.org or by calling (903) 262-1144.  The Tyler ISD Foundation is a 501(c) 3 non-profit organization which supports the events and programs of Tyler ISD.

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