March 16, 2011

Goddard Elected President-Elect of State-Wide Texas Association of Partners in Education (TAPE)

 
Larry Goddard, Executive Director of the award-winning Tyler Independent School District Foundation, has been elected to an elite board of directors for the Texas Association of Partners in Education (TAPE), an announced by Serenity Kelton, interim executive director of the Austin-based organization.  Goddard also was unanimously chosen as President-Elect in a state-wide vote.

“We are honored that Mr. Goddard agreed for his name to be placed in nomination for our membership’s state-wide election,” said Ms. Felton.  “His dedication to our Texas classrooms is evident in his determination to be a pioneer in the creation of long-lasting partnerships between corporate and other entities with our public schools.”

Goddard, who has served as education foundation chair for the Texas School Public Relations Association (TSPRA) and was elected to their highest honor:  2010 Key Communicator, has been executive director of the Tyler ISD Foundation for five years.  Before that, he was Vice President-Development for Texas A&M University-Commerce as well as Assistant Vice President-Communications, Public Relations and Marketing and Assistant Provost—Special Programs.  Goddard was named Citizen of the Year by the East Texas Council of Governments in 2008, served as Sister City President, and is known as a pioneer and speaking expert on private funding for public education.  He has won two crystal awards (best event and best campaign), two best in category (news release and original art), and countless gold and silver awards from TSPRA.  Last year, he received the Golden Certificate from the National School Public Relations Association (NSPRA)—the highest award for an education foundation in history.  He has 30 years of educational public relations experience.

“I am excited about creating partnerships between entities and our public school campuses,” stated Goddard.  “There are millions of positive stories from our classrooms all over the state and we need to be strong advocates for capable classroom teachers.  Finding partnerships to provide opportunities for Texas students will be a challenge for me and certainly I feel we are pioneering efforts which will have significant impacts for our students and teachers in the future.”

The mission of the Texas Association of Partners in Education is to provide leadership and expertise for schools, families, businesses and communities to build partnerships that enhance student success. The central purpose of our association is to strengthen student success through volunteer, community and business/school partnerships. We hope to enhance the success of young people in school and prepare them to be responsible citizens who significantly contribute to the economic, civic, and social environment in which they live and work. TAPE offers specific training to help you “Unlock the Partnership Puzzle”. Visit our Trainings-Programs page for details.

History

The Association has a 30-year track record of supporting its members in creating effective partnerships to enhance student success. Originated in 1979 as the Texas School Volunteer Program (TSVP), we served as one of the original 12 affiliates of the National School Volunteer Program (NSVP). In 1992 the name was changed to reflect the diversity of membership and the group was incorporated as a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization. A state office was opened in Austin in 1996.

“My experience in fundraising, public relations, educational marketing will help in this state initiative,” Goddard concluded.  “I am grateful for my career of finding innovative and creative solutions to our challenges in today’s classrooms.”

Goddard will be President Elect for one year; then serve the association as President. Currently, Dr. Willis Mackey, superintendent of Judson ISD, is President of TAPE.

“Everyone in Texas will be hearing more about partnerships in education and this will bring respect and attention to Tyler and our fine educators,” said Goddard.

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