New Education Foundation boosts teachers, supports student development

By December 22, 2025 the Orange Grove ISD Education Foundation, formed by local community members, had already begun making a measurable financial difference for teachers in the small district. The nonprofit, led by president Kati Pesek, was created to supplement classroom resources that district budgets and guidelines do not always cover. "Education in our schools only helps our communities. It helps every community thrive," Pesek said.

Teachers described tangible benefits from the foundation in its first six months. Jackie Pena, a kindergarten reading and language arts teacher and last year primary campus and elementary level teacher of the year, said the foundation gave a new incentive that had not been offered previously. "As teacher of the year recipient, last year, for the primary campus and the elementary level here at Orange Grove ISD, the education foundation gifted me a little incentive. That's something new. It hadn't been done in the past. So, teachers were excited to see that and, of course, very appreciative of the extra little help," Pena said. She also told reporters that she spends her own money to ensure students have needed supplies and classroom materials.

The foundation is partnering with neighbors to provide outdoor play equipment intended to support students growth and development. Beyond play and recreation, access to age appropriate outdoor spaces contributes to physical activity, social skills, and emotional wellbeing, making the investment relevant to public health and to efforts to reduce inequities between smaller and better resourced districts.

Pesek emphasized the foundation will target innovative classroom needs that can fall outside standard budgets. "There are so many things that go around a school, and sometimes, when you think about innovative teaching and thinking outside the box, because there's budgets and guidelines some of those things get thrown by the wayside. So, whatever we can do to support those, I wanted to be a part of that," she said.

The foundation is conducting a donor campaign through December 31. Local residents who want information or wish to donate can visit ogisdef.org. For Jim Wells County families and educators, the foundation represents a community driven step toward more equitable learning environments and healthier childhood development.