School Board Honors Toyota for $1 Million Donation to Academy Programs

On May 19, the Plano ISD Board of Trustees acknowledged Toyota for its substantial donation of $1,000,000 to support the Academy Programs of Plano via the Plano ISD Education Foundation.

Karla Oliver, the assistant superintendent for government, community, and planning initiatives at Plano ISD, presented the recognition during the school board’s meeting.

“I am thrilled to introduce our new corporate partner on behalf of the Plano ISD Education Foundation and the Academy Programs of Plano,” Ms. Oliver stated. “This generous contribution will enhance innovative educational opportunities within our Academy Programs, enabling us to cater to a wider range of student interests and needs. Recognizing the imperative for progressive and innovative financial management, while diligently serving the interests of taxpayers, our district is dedicated to fostering the growth of the Academy Programs of Plano through community and corporate contributions via the Plano ISD Education Foundation.”

Ms. Oliver welcomed two representatives from Toyota North America: Javier Moreno, the manager of external affairs and communications, and Michael Rouse, the vice president of diversity, philanthropy, and community affairs, as well as president of the Toyota U.S.A. Foundation.

Michael Rouse, vice president of diversity, philanthropy and community affairs and president, Toyota U.S.A. Foundation for Toyota Motor Sales (TMS), U.S.A., Inc., shared with the audience, "We look forward to many years of partnership with you." — Michael Rouse, representing Toyota, expressed his enthusiasm about the partnership, stating, “We look forward to many years of collaboration with you.”

“This donation stems from a genuine commitment. It is the largest single contribution we have ever made to a single campus, marking a significant milestone for us. This gesture signals a promising and enduring relationship,” Mr. Rouse remarked, emphasizing Toyota Foundation’s emphasis on STEM education. “We recognize the strong interest in engineering among the students here. This collaboration will open avenues for our team leaders to engage with the school directly, including our engineers working with students in robotics and other engineering projects. They’re passionate about this field.”

“Your Academy High School is at the forefront of what’s needed for our nation’s evolving landscape,” Mr. Rouse elaborated. “Texas is experiencing an energy revolution that is driving manufacturing and increasing the demand for engineers. Plano, where we will be establishing our new home, is a leader in this context. We’re eager to partner with you and witness how this collaboration unfolds. We believe this will be a wonderful partnership, and we anticipate many fruitful years ahead.”

Before the school board meeting, attendees included Javier Moreno from Toyota; Trustees Carrolyn Moebius, Tammy Richards, and Nancy Humphrey; Michael Rouse from Toyota; and Trustees Missy Bender, Marilyn Hinton, and David Stolle. — Present before the school board meeting were Toyota’s Javier Moreno, Trustees Carrolyn Moebius, Tammy Richards, and Nancy Humphrey, as well as Michael Rouse from Toyota and Trustees Missy Bender, Marilyn Hinton, and David Stolle.

Javier Moreno then shared a video titled “Hello, Texas,” highlighting the announcement of Toyota’s donation to the Academy Programs of Plano. In the video, Jim Lentz, CEO of Toyota North America, remarked, “Consolidating our corporate headquarters will undoubtedly create exciting new opportunities for our employees.”

After the recognition by the school board, Toyota's Javier Moreno and Michael Rouse toured the Plano ISD Academy High School with student Colin McMahn, who is the National Honor Society president and a member of the Spartan club, which conducts physical training, color posting, and marching drills. — Following the recognition, Toyota’s Javier Moreno and Michael Rouse visited the Plano ISD Academy High School, where they met Colin McMahn, a third-year student, National Honor Society president, and member of the Spartan club, known for their physical training and ceremonial drills.

Featured above: Harvey Fishero, president of the Plano ISD Education Foundation; Karla Oliver, assistant superintendent; Rebecca Egelston Caso, immediate past-president; Jeanine Alpert, executive director; Lynn Ojeda, principal of Plano ISD Academy High School; and Toyota’s Michael Rouse and Javier Moreno.

View the original article at www.pisd.edu/news/archive/2014-15/toyota.recognition.shtml