Arlington ISD Education Foundation Receives Historic $1.1 Million Gift

October 11, 2023

ARLINGTON, TEXAS - The Arlington ISD Education Foundation announced Wednesday that it has received a $1.1 million gift from the Myrtice N. Larson Revocable Living Trust, the largest single gift in the Foundation’s nearly 30-year history.

Larson, who began her Arlington ISD career as a reading specialist in 1953, shared the namesake honors at Larson Elementary School with her late husband, Curtis. Curtis Larson taught at Speer and Thornton elementary schools before becoming a principal in the district. The two had a combined 74 years in the education field.

“This gift recognizes the life-long contributions of Curtis and Myrtice Larson to the field of education and their love for the Arlington community,” said Jeannie Deakyne, executive director of the Arlington ISD Education Foundation. “Through their generosity, we hope to honor their legacy and serve the public school students of Arlington ISD through fulfilling extraordinary educational needs and initiatives.”

About the Arlington ISD Education Foundation: The Arlington ISD Education Foundation is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization founded in 1994 to serve the public school students of Arlington through fulfilling extraordinary educational needs and initiatives. The Foundation achieves its mission by funding exceptional teaching grants, providing funds for basic needs for at-risk students, and supporting continuing teacher education efforts. To date, the Arlington ISD Education Foundation has distributed more than $2.5 million for educational resources in AISD classrooms.

Tickets on sale for the 2023 Dream Makers Banquet

Join us Monday, February 27th at the TCC Southeast campus for the Arlington ISD Education Foundation’s annual Dream Makers Banquet. You won’t want to miss this evening of celebrating our Arlington ISD Teachers as we recognize the 2023 AEF Teacher Grant recipients and community partners.

Visit www.arlingtonef.org to sponsor a table or purchase tickets. Please commit to table sponsorships ($600) by February 10th. Single tickets are $75. AISD employee tickets are $50.

For more information contact Arlington Education Foundation Executive Director Jeannie Deakyne at 682.867.1927.

Arlington ISD Education Foundation welcomes Jeannie Deakyne as Executive Director

The Arlington ISD Education Foundation Board of Directors is pleased to announce the hiring of Jeannie Deakyne to serve as the organization’s Executive Director. Before joining the Foundation, she most recently served as the Vice President of Operations for the National Medal of Honor Museum Foundation.

“Jeannie Deakyne is an experienced community leader with a long history of philanthropic impact,” said Kelly Curnutt, Arlington ISD Education Foundation President. “Her track record of building teams, managing processes, and thinking strategically about philanthropy will serve the Arlington ISD Education Foundation and AISD well. Jeannie’s deep understanding of the District and her relationships are invaluable. We look forward to expanding our impact under her direction.”

AEF Grant Application Deadline is FAST approaching!

Arlington ISD Education Foundation provides teacher grants each year to fund extraordinary educational needs and initiatives. In 2017 the Foundation funded over $100,000 in grants – this money goes directly into our students’ classrooms.

The Foundation encourages teachers and educators applying to grants to attend a Grant Application Workshop. This is an opportunity for teachers to hear good practices on how to get an application for a grant approved. It also gives them a chance to ask direct questions regarding their specific application. They will also earn bonus points for attending a workshop! Click here to view our next workshop date.

Mark your calendar with this year’s Grant Application Deadline: December 7, 2018 at 5:00pm. Submissions are to be sent in via email. Click here for the application and full details.