After serving as a KISD educator for over 17 years, retired business education teacher Charlene Spaulding continues to find ways to make an impact on students – this time with a generous donation to Tivy High School’s “Career & Technical Wing,” where many of the school’s career and technology programs are located.
To commemorate Spaulding’s continued investment in the education of Kerrville’s youth, Tivy High School dedicated the Career & Technology Education Wing on the campus to the Spaulding family last week. The ceremony opened with a musical arrangement performed by the Tivy Orchestra, followed by speakers from KISD’s administration with thanks and praises on behalf of the school district.
KISD Superintendent Brent Ringo’s first impression of Spaulding was her enthusiasm and excitement for education, plus her dedication to and support of the children in the school district.
“My family and I moved here in May of 2023, and I met Mrs. Spaulding at the retired teacher’s luncheon. She approached me early in my time here and asked how she could support the district. We talked about the KISD goals, one of which was the issues with third grade reading and math scores. After our discussion, she said, ‘Dream Big,’” said Ringo.
Spaulding’s niece Debi Spaulding, who helps manage the Spaulding Family Trust, created the “Level Leaders,” a program aimed at third graders. The program uses math and reading specialists to strengthen comprehension and create a sound foundation for success in further education. With Spaulding’s support, the program has been implemented in the four KISD elementary schools.
The support of the Spaulding family spreads beyond the lower grade-levels. By donating to the career and technical education students, Spaulding invests in the futures of Tivy students post-graduation.
“I was brought up in a home with a single mother and graduated from high school with a vocational typing certification. That’s how I built my life and that’s the kind of thing I wanted to support,” said Spaulding.
With Spaulding’s generous donations, expansions to Tivy’s vocational opportunities and programs are expected. Her donations help programs such as animal science, carpentry, aviation, mechanics, manufacturing, and many others.
Not every KISD student’s post-graduation plans involve a traditional four-year degree, however, with strong career and technical education programs, every student can be prepared for their next steps, whether that’s college or career.
“ What warms my heart is that it impacts those students’ futures. They can be assured that their future is going to be okay, because they’re going to have a career – they have their pathway. There’s no anxiety. There’s no doubt because they know what they want to do, and it’s all made possible with Mrs. Spaulding’s generosity.” said Tivy Principal Rick Sralla.
The ceremony ended with a ribbon-cutting of the newly named wing, where the lettering now leaves a permanent mark on Tivy High School much like the mark Spaulding’s dedication and generosity has left on KISD students for years.