The big picture
The staff, led by Executive Director Marianne Reap, manages four core programs: the education heroes giving circle, excellence in education grants, the resource boutique and scholarships. Last year, the foundation provided $1.1 million in support across the initiatives.
The team of five employees collaborates to address the needs of students and staff while fulfilling requests from the district. They aim to address each request for supplies or assistance within 24-48 hours.
“We have to [service] their needs, but you [have] to do it in a timely manner so that there are no waiting with children without supplies that day or a teacher that doesn't have enough tools to perform her duties in the classroom,” Reap said. “It never would get to that because we make sure it doesn't.”
In the classroom
In addition to providing support to all 56 campuses across the district, this year the foundation will continue to focus additional attention on the 17 Title I schools through its campus champion program. Board members will be assigned to each location, similar to past years, but now the foundation staff is hoping to garner additional help from local churches and service organizations. Reap said she hopes to mitigate the effects of district budget cuts on schools by allowing community organizations to adopt campuses in their areas. Round Rock ISD approved the 2025-26 school year budget June 17, with $5.1 million in department budget reductions and $5.2 million in position decreases.
“We're going to have a little more focus on those because they got hit with some of the budget cuts like everybody else did, but it affects them the most because they have a higher percentage of students in need,” Reap said. “Their [Parent Teacher Associations] may not be as strong as others are, so then we'll come in and help support them.”
Each year the education foundation awards about $130,000 in teacher grants, according to the foundation's website.
“These teachers do everything they can to help these kids,” Reap said. “So that makes me want to do more. It makes all of us want to do more.”
Get involved
There are several ways community members can support the foundation, including making a one-time or monthly monetary donation, sponsoring an event or donating supplies. Volunteer opportunities include putting together birthday bags for unhoused students, reviewing grants or scholarships, sorting and preparing school supplies donations, and organizing book drives.
Ahead of the foundation's 25th annual golf classic Oct. 6, “Beads & Birdies,” Reap said she is seeking local businesses to sponsor holes and make an in-kind donation to the event raffle.
Another detail
Along with focusing on current enrolled students, the foundation launched an alumni program in the spring to make it easier for district alumni to remain connected with classmates and network with peers. The next alumni event will be Sept. 16 at Alcove Cantina.
A new chapter
Reap announced her retirement at the end of 2025 but plans to continue being active in the district as a friend of the foundation because she believes in the mission and is passionate about the foundation.
“We’re all here to help the students and teachers,” Reap said.
- 595 Round Rock W. Drive, Ste., 404, Round Rock
- www.rrisdeducationfoundation.org
