At a gathering titled “Future Forward: An Evening to Invest in Carrollton‑Farmers Branch ISD Students,” community leaders and business partners rallied around the Carrollton‑Farmers Branch Independent School District (CFBISD) Educational Foundation. The event, held on Oct. 29 at The Meeting Place, highlighted how private donations and foundation grants are closing funding gaps that state and federal aid leave open.
Student nutrition needs remain critical
CFBISD Director of Student Nutrition Services Kristen Hess reported that 62.42% of the district’s students are classified as economically disadvantaged. Unpaid meal balances have already reached $14,506.62 and are projected to exceed $20,000 by the end of the school year. Despite the shortfall, the district has provided 2,176 courtesy breakfasts and 7,827 courtesy lunches so far, allowing students to eat even when their accounts run negative.
Foundation grants support meals and more
The Carrollton‑Farmers Branch ISD Educational Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, channels community contributions into grants that cover the cost of these courtesy meals and other essential services. Executive Director Victor Johnson emphasized that the foundation connects donors directly with classroom‑level needs, ensuring that every dollar supports a tangible student outcome.
Beyond nutrition: scholarships, supplies, and career pathways
Grants also fund scholarships, classroom supplies, and career‑technical education (CTE) programs. CFBISD Executive Director of Advanced Academics and World Languages Chad Hunter noted that CTE initiatives have yielded between 500 and 3,000 industry certifications for students, preparing them for post‑secondary success.
The Law and Criminal Justice Academy at Creekview High School, one of the district’s CTE pathways, receives foundation support to maintain its curriculum and certification opportunities. Jonathon Cartray, director of the academy, highlighted the importance of this funding for students aspiring to legal and public‑service careers.
Community partners deliver essential items quickly
The Giving House program, a partnership between the district and the foundation, enables staff and counselors to request needed items for students. Requests are fulfilled and delivered to campuses within 24 hours, ensuring that families receive school supplies, clothing and other necessities promptly.
Liz Binion, CFBISD Director of Student Services, said, “It really makes an impact. Donations go to programs like this.”
Health and safety initiatives receive backing
School nurses have accessed state‑mandated training funded by foundation grants, while the “Hidden in Plain Sight” program—run by the district’s health and safety department—educates parents and teens about everyday objects that could conceal risky behavior. The program equips families with information to start safety conversations at home.
Local business leaders champion the cause
Al Mahesh, a commercial real‑estate professional and event partner, urged attendees to view support for the foundation as an investment in the community’s future. “It takes a village to raise a child; we need to decide what kind of village we are going to be,” he said.
Doug Burnside, chairman of the foundation’s board, reinforced the mission: “Everyone deserves a chance to excel in life.”
How to get involved
Community members who wish to sponsor a grant, scholarship or meal program can visit the foundation’s website for donation information. By partnering with local businesses, churches and families, the foundation continues to remove financial barriers that hinder student achievement both inside and outside the classroom.
Through these combined efforts, Carrollton‑Farmers Branch ISD aims to ensure that every student—regardless of economic background—has the resources needed to thrive academically, socially and professionally.
Original reporting: Branch Herald (Carrollton / Farmers Branch, local news) — read the source article.
