Founded in 1997, the Boerne Education Foundation has been supporting not just students, but also the teachers that play such an important role in the classroom.

“Our sole purpose is to raise money for the classroom,” said Nicole Gallegos, president of the Boerne Education Foundation, or BEF.

The BEF is a nonprofit organization led by volunteers that raises community funds and awareness for schools in Boerne ISD.

Gallegos has always been surrounded by education, with her mother teaching for four decades and having children who went to schools in Boerne ISD.

“I grew up as the kid of a teacher,” Gallegos said. “My heart is with education, and it’s just been a really great way to give back.”


Explained
Nicole Gallegos (left), said she's been apart of the BEF for seven years, becoming President three years ago. (Courtesy Boerne Education Foundation)
Nicole Gallegos (left), said she's been apart of the BEF for seven years, becoming president three years ago. (Courtesy Boerne Education Foundation)
These are some of the ways the BEF provides funds to the classroom:Additionally, anyone in the public can donate to the foundation, a task that Gallegos said is a great way for citizens to give back to the community.

What residents should know

Gallegos said the BEF gave out 700 gift cards worth $75 to teachers across the district to buy important supplies to enhance their classrooms ahead of the current school year.

By writing Teacher Innovation Grants, Gallegos said educators can come up with ideas to help complement and enhance their curriculums. They must follow principles of critical thinking, communication, collaboration and creativity.


“It’s a really neat way for us to get that impact right in the classroom,” Gallegos said. "Seeing that benefit go right to the kids and the teachers."

From new physics programs and equipment to buying important new books, Gallegos said she’s seen countless benefits brought to students by these grants from the BEF.

During the 2024-25 school year, the BEF also raised over $575,000 to help support and uplift classrooms in schools throughout Boerne ISD.
The BEF is comprised of 25 voting board members and an Executive Director that works directly with Boerne ISD. (Courtesy Boerne Education Foundation)
The BEF is comprised of 25 voting board members and an Executive Director that works directly with Boerne ISD. (Courtesy Boerne Education Foundation)
What’s next

This upcoming school year, Gallegos said she wants to raise even more money, upwards of $700,000.


“We have a lot of really fun ideas to continue growing the organization in a meaningful way,” Gallegos said.

Additionally, Gallegos said the BEF is looking to completely fund an Operation Support Specialist position within Boerne ISD that will work directly with the organization to further their efforts into the future.