Investing in our Students
Our purpose is to seek, cultivate and obtain revenues to develop and expand educational opportunities for the students of the North East Independent School District. NEEF underwrites projects and programs that enhance the basic required curriculum and broaden the range of students’ educational experience.
Our
TEAM
The North East Educational Foundation staff works closely with the Board of Directors to ensure North East ISD students have the best learning opportunities possible. We love promoting innovation within the District and surprising our teachers with classroom grants.
Audited Financials and Policies and Procedures Manual available upon request.
Amy Lane
Executive Director
Amy Lane is the Executive Director for NEEF and NEISD Partnerships. She was hired by NEISD in 2013 as Director of Partnerships.
During her tenure as first a liaison to the Foundation and now as Executive Director, NEEF has more than doubled the amount raised each year for innovative classroom grants and changed their fundraising strategy drastically. The Foundation has given away more than $1 million in grants the past five years and raised half a million for their endowment fund.
Amy previously worked in public relations for the Texas Department of Agriculture and fundraising for former San Antonio Mayor Phil Hardberger and his namesake park, the Hardberger Park Conservancy. Amy received a B.A. in Journalism and Geography from Texas State University and an M.A. in Corporate Communications from Baylor University.
In her spare time, Amy enjoys hiking, reading mysteries, trying every hole-in-the-wall restaurant in town and traveling with her husband.
Caleigh Isaacks
Development Coordinator
Caleigh Isaacks joined the team in 2020 as the Development Coordinator for NEEF and NEISD Partnerships.
She takes the lead on sponsorship asks, identifying potential donors, database integration and donor stewardship.
Caleigh hails from the beautiful state of Colorado and is passionate about nonprofit work. She is currently earning her Master’s degree in Non-Profit Management from the University of Denver and graduated with a Bachelor’s of Science in Human Services from Metropolitan State University of Denver in 2014.
In her spare time, Caleigh enjoys hiking, reading and spoiling her beloved dog Bones.
Natalie Bobadilla
Community Relations Specialist
Natalie Bobadilla joined the team in 2019 as the Community Relations Specialist for NEEF and NEISD Partnerships.
She tells NEEF’s story through photos, graphics, words and the occasional video. Natalie handles NEEF’s social media accounts and maintains the NEEF website. She also takes the lead on our online Big Give SA campaign and updates the Partners in Education employee perks portal.
Natalie previously led the communications department for another local school district and worked as a reporter and photographer for a bilingual newspaper. She is a proud UT Austin alumna, earning a Bachelor of Journalism in Photojournalism and a Bachelor of Arts in Spanish Language & Literature in 2013.
Natalie loves photography, listening to podcasts and nature.
Chrystal Payne
Executive Assistant
Chrystal Payne joined the team in 2018 as Executive Assistant for NEEF and NEISD Partnerships.
She handles logistics for several sponsorship and fundraising events, makes sponsor calls, and makes sure we all cross our t’s and dot our i’s. Chrystal is the creative brain behind many of our projects and event planning details.
Previously, Chrystal worked at a campus and with the District’s curriculum and instruction team. Her organization skills, go-getter attitude and knowledge of the District are invaluable.
Chrystal enjoys salt water fishing, DIY projects, relaxing on the beach, and spending time with her family, friends and two very spoiled beagles.
Sparky
Branding Member
Sparky officially joined the NEEF team in 2018.
As our branding member, Sparky takes the lead in pumping up the crowd and handing out grants. During his short tenure, we have seen a 100 percent increase in team spirit.
Sparky enjoys meeting NEEF supporters, giving out high fives and training for NEISD’s mascot race.
Timeline of our History
The North East Educational Foundation was created in 1985 to expand educational opportunities for students of NEISD. Since that time, the Foundation has funded hundreds of projects that have enriched and enhanced students’ learning experience on our campuses.
Timeline
1985
NEEF Is Founded
NEISD Trustee John Seibert recommends to the Board of Trustees and Superintendent Ed West that a nonprofit foundation be formed to fund educational programs for NEISD. He reasons that the student population was increasing while state financial help was declining. The state had recently added several unfunded mandates which meant more of the school budget would be used for basic obligations and less would be used for enrichment. Since North East taxpayers would continue to expect students to receive an education of the highest quality, the District followed Seibert’s recommendation.1986
Charitable Status
The North East Educational Foundation (NEEF) receives 501(c)(3) charitable status. Its purpose is to seek, cultivate and obtain revenues to be used for developing and expanding educational opportunities for students of North East ISD.1990
Permanent Investment Funds
NEEF Board approves the formation of permanent investment funds into which 25% of undesignated contributions go each year. This was established so NEEF can remain financially sound and accrue interest over the years.1990
First Projects Funded
First projects are funded! Each elementary school receives an Academic Decathlon math and science test bank for team study and a geography program for map and globe skills by Nystrom.1996
Texas Commissioner of Education Speaks
On the Foundation’s 10th anniversary, Texas Commissioner of Education Dr. Mike Moses speaks at NEEF’s gala and emphasizes the importance of education foundations to public schools. The gala raises approximately $15,500.1999
19 New Projects Funded
Fundraising efforts continue to increase, NEEF raises $38,800. We are able to fund 19 of the 40 projects requested.2004
44 New Projects Funded
NEEF funds 44 projects for a total of $55,000. We create a strategic planning team to ensure success over the next decade.2013
Director of Partnerships Assists NEEF
With hard work and determination, NEEF funds $124,500 in grant requests. As funds and responsibilities increased, it became clear the Foundation needed a liaison from the District staff to assist NEEF part-time. The Director of Partnerships for NEISD begins working with NEEF to assist and amplify fundraising efforts.2017
Memorandum of Understanding
NEEF funds a whopping $218,101 in grant requests. The NEISD Board of Trustees and NEEF Board form a new “tightly coupled” model through a Memorandum of Understanding. The Foundation remains a separate, private 501(c)(3), and utilizes staff positions funded by the District to raise funds for the greater good of the District.2018
Three-Year Strategic Plan
The NEEF Board enters into an aggressive three-year strategic plan to encourage growth and innovation within the Foundation.2018
Sparky is Born
100% increase in team spirit with our newest branding member, SPARKY! Our Facebook followers are asked to participate in the naming of our ‘lightbulb guy.’ NEISD teacher Leigh Anne Roeber is the first follower to mention the name ‘Sparky.’2019
