Friendswood ISD Education Foundation Welcomes New Directors To Board

The Friendswood ISD Education Foundation welcomed five new members to the Board of Directors for the 2019-2020 school year. Among the new faces to the Foundation are Leah Direkly, Piper Garbarino, Brandon Kinsey, Candace Metz and Julie Sims.

“I’m so excited about our newest group of directors,” FEF Board President Kelly Lovell said. “They are truly a talented and passionate group and we are so lucky to have them.”

As a former teacher and coach, new director Brandon Kinsey understands that the work our teachers do is truly a calling. Kinsey said he is excited to serve on the Board because of the opportunity to support and inspire not only students but also teachers through the grant program. 

The Foundation introduced a New Director Orientation this year with the goal of allowing the new board members to see FEF’s mission come to life by seeing a few grants in action. 

The group traveled to Westwood Elementary where they experienced the impact of the literacy initiative the Foundation funded several years ago. After participating in an interactive read aloud and reader’s workshop mini-lesson led by Westwood teachers, the group reflected on how authentic and engaging the experience had been.

From there the team visited Friendswood High School and got to tour the FEF funded INCubatoredu classroom that will serve as the launching pad for the new entrepreneurship program. 

“The best part of the day was getting to know each director’s unique passions and strengths,” FEF Executive Director Ashley Adair said. “I can’t wait to see how these combine to move the Foundation’s mission forward in impactful ways in the years to come.”

During a session with the FEF leadership team and Mr. Roher, each new director shared what they are looking forward to most about serving on the Board. Without exception, each touched on the opportunity to support hands-on experiences that allow kids, just like their own, the freedom to be creative and discover their unique passions.