Education Foundation for Lockhart ISD:   Keeps Community Spirit Alive in Local Classrooms

By Anthony Collins

LPR Editor                          

     In a town where community and education go hand in hand, few groups embody that connection quite like the Education Foundation for Lockhart ISD. You won’t find it making headlines every week or boasting on billboards, but talk to a few teachers or parents, and you’ll hear about its quiet, steady impact.

     The Foundation operates as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, separate from but closely aligned with the school district. Its volunteer board of directors, none of whom take a paycheck, gives the organization a kind of flexibility that government budgets can’t always provide. That freedom allows the Foundation to fund classroom projects, student programs, and teacher initiatives that might otherwise never leave the drawing board.

    “We’re here to support innovation in education,” the Foundation often emphasizes in its outreach. That support comes primarily through teacher grants, which fund creative and forward-thinking classroom ideas. The goal isn’t just to cover gaps, it’s to encourage educators to dream big and give students experiences that spark curiosity and confidence.

     Financially, the Foundation is in strong shape. In its 2024 fiscal year, it reported nearly $298,000 in revenue against about $205,000 in expenses, leaving a net of roughly $93,000. Assets totaled close to $397,000, a healthy cushion for a volunteer-run nonprofit dedicated to helping local schools thrive.

    Of course, that kind of support doesn’t come out of thin air. The Foundation raises its funds through a handful of community-driven events that have become beloved Lockhart traditions.

     Chief among them is the “Chip-In for LISD” Golf Tournament, a fall fixture that brings together educators, parents, business owners, and supporters for a day of friendly competition at Plum Creek Golf Course. Proceeds from the tournament go directly toward teacher grants and classroom innovation.

   Then there’s “50 Lions Who Can Cook,” a community tasting event where residents swap their chef hats for a good cause. Dozens of cooks showcase their favorite dishes while attendees’ sample, vote, and enjoy a night that’s as much about fellowship as fundraising. It’s part cook-off, part community party, and all in service of Lockhart’s students.  For a district that serves both the city and its surrounding rural communities, the Foundation’s role has grown increasingly important. When budgets tighten or unexpected costs arise, its ability to act quickly and fund promising ideas can mean the difference between “nice idea” and “let’s make it happen.”

     What stands out most about the Education Foundation, though, is its belief in possibility. To teachers, it says: “You have our support.” To students, it says: “You deserve opportunities that inspire you.” And to the community, it’s a reminder that every dollar, every event, every volunteer hour adds up to something far greater than the sum of its parts.

    In a place known for its barbecue and small-town charm, the Lockhart Education Foundation is proof that the city’s heart for giving runs just as deep as its flavor.

     Abel De La Cruz, Chariman of the golf tournament stated, “The golf tournament is now in its eighth year; our goal is to create a fun and meaningful event that brings together golf enthusiasts who want to support the Foundation’s mission—all while enjoying a great day on the course. This year was no exception! We welcomed 124 golfers and anticipate gross revenues will surpass $90,000.” The funds, combined with proceeds from their other signature event, 50 Lions, will go directly into the grant pool, which provides funding to teachers across the district.

     Cruz continued, “We are incredibly grateful to our sponsors—this event wouldn’t be possible without their support. We also want to thank our dedicated committee members and the many volunteers from LISD and the Foundation board who help make it all happen.”