Lewisville ISD Educational Foundation Supports Students and Teachers – Cross Timbers Gazette | Southern Denton County | Flower Mound

Dr. Randy Canivel tries to avoid platitudes whenever possible, but even he couldn’t resist a few when asked how the Lewisville ISD Education Foundation stands out year after year amidst the sea of ​​valuable nonprofits in Denton County.

“We are shaping the future,” Canivel said. “It sounds cliché, but when you attend our awards ceremonies, you can see what I mean.”

For Canivel, a former board member who is approaching a year as the foundation’s executive director, today’s students are tomorrow’s leaders — if they also have a hometown support system that enriches their educational experience. It’s a mantle LEF has steadfastly assumed for more than 30 years. Founded as a 501(c)(3) in 1990, LEF serves as a vehicle for securing private funding to benefit students and teachers in the Lewisville School District, which currently serves 69 campuses in 13 communities covering more than 127 square miles.

LEF is one of Lewisville’s oldest nonprofit organizations and has grown to include 18 active board members, seven lifetime board members, a four-member community advisory committee, four staff members, and countless donors and volunteers.

And there are no signs of slowing down. Since 1990, LEF has awarded $6 million in scholarships and grants to teachers.

For students, this means relieving them of a large part of their financial burden, which will help them achieve their goals in life.

For teachers, this is an opportunity to purchase more books, equipment and other educational materials to be able to teach students in the most effective, understandable, comprehensive and enjoyable way possible.

“There was a need for this in 1990, and today we are still facing the same difficult situation in many ways. State funding is not enough, so how do we fund public education and enrich the experience of students and teachers so that it does not stagnate?” Canivel said. “I credit my predecessors and the community for building LEF into what it is now and will be long after my time. Every little thing we do pays off in a big way.”

What’s next for the Lewisville ISD Education Foundation? In a word, a lot.

In April, LEF awarded more than $313,625 to 443 students who took the next step in their academic careers. The application deadline for the teacher grants was in May, but only after receiving record applications from teachers looking to take their classroom environments to the next level. Canivel said the grants will be awarded during the second or third week of classes this fall.

Not to be outdone, the 16th Annual LEF Golf Tournament is scheduled for October 21st at the Lakes at Castle Hills. The LEF is also excited to announce that its grand gala will return on February 22nd, 2025.

“There’s a lot going on, and it’s exciting to see it,” Canivel said. “We’re in the business of putting smiles on the faces of teachers and students. These students are going to be the next doctors, presidents (of the United States) … whatever you want to call it. But none of that can happen if they don’t have a support system now. That’s our role, and it’s inspiring to be a part of it.”

For more information about the Lewisville ISD Educational Foundation, visit lisdef.com.