The Eanes Education Foundation, a nonprofit organization devoted to funding teacher positions within Eanes ISD, presented a $2.35 million donation to the district during a June 22 meeting.

The grant was presented by Dana Meserole DeLorenzo, who was named EEF executive director in May of last year.

The EEF’s donation will fund staff compensation for 47 educators throughout the district’s nine campuses for the 2021-22 school year. This year’s donation is in addition to $206,000 provided in January to fund 10 full-time permanent substitutes amid the pandemic. These positions aided the district at a time when teachers may have been required to quarantine as a result of a COVID-19 case.

“$2.55 million dollars in the midst of a pandemic is absolutely extraordinary,” board President John Havenstrite said upon thanking the nonprofit for its work.

The EEF’s donation was one of three accepted by the board during the June meeting. The Westlake Chap Club, which supports the district’s athletic department, made its annual donation totaling $140,000 for the upcoming school year. Of that funding, $68,500 will be dedicated to EISD coaching staff stipend, and the remaining will fund team travel and professional development for coaches.