The Pflugerville Education Foundation (PEF) recently added new members to its independent Board of Directors. The Foundation is a non-profit created by local community and business leaders and focuses on making a positive impact on public education. One of the newest Board members, Dustin Fox, is a local attorney dedicated to giving back to the community. The Board of Directors is comprised of community and business leaders, parents and alumni in the Greater Pflugerville community. Mr. Fox is an attorney at Pflugerville-based Justinian & Associates, PLLC, a personal injury, mass tort and immigration law firm. The firm also has offices in Austin and San Antonio.The PEF was created in 2006 and operates independently of the school district; however, the two organizations share a common vision and focus on quality education with a commitment to excellence. The PEF has done a lot in the last four years, including awarding 83 Innovative Teaching grants and funding several educational programs. These efforts, directed toward Pflugerville ISD teachers and students, total over $237,000.Imagine Together (video of students supporting the PEF)The grants and programs range from improving student experiences and education in individual classrooms, entire grade levels and multiple campuses all the way up to the entire district. The Innovative Teaching grants support the development and implementation of new teaching strategies, innovative ideas and other creative ways of enhancing instruction and educational opportunities for Pflugerville ISD students. They also recognize exemplary students and teachers. Grants and donations from the PEF have positively impacted 157 teachers and over 20,730 students since 2007. The PEF supports the annual Teacher of the Year Program, as well as the KICKSTART Martial Arts Program. KICKSTART is focused on creating “Character through Karate.”When asked about his commitment to giving back, Mr. Fox replied that becoming part of the PEF’s Board would provide the “unique opportunity to sponsor events with hundreds of kids and parents and further the goals of the Foundation. It’s important to help the communities in which we do business. They’re the reason we’re here and giving back is the right thing to do.”We couldn’t agree more, Mr. Fox! Congratulations on your appointment to the Board and best wishes to you, the PEF and the Pflugerville ISD.In addition to adding to its Board of Directors, the PEF elected new officers for the 2016-17 school year. They are:

• Camron Howard, Associate COO of St. David’s North Medical Center, who is the Foundation’s new president;

• Vice President of Development John Ryan

• Vice President of Finance Michelle Anderson

• Vice President of Marketing Michel Hudson

• Vice President of Programs Chris Boyle

• Secretary Gloria Shinkawa

• Member at Large Shannon Oberheu

• Superintendent of Schools Alex E. Torrez, Ph.D.

Mr. Fox was among 11 newly elected board members. There were close to 30 applicants for the 11 spots, the largest number of applications in the Foundation’s history.According to PEF Executive Director Allison Kane, “We’re thrilled about the possibilities our board will provide for the Foundation’s future. We have a diverse group of members, representing various sectors of the local workforce community, and they’re deeply committed to the students of our district.”The newly-elected board members will be sworn into office at the Pflugerville ISD Administration Building boardroom at 6:15 p.m. June 27. The address is 1401 W. Pecan Street and the public is welcome to attend.The complete list of distinguished board members, according to the Pflugerville ISD website follows:“Amanice Barefield – Amanice is an accountant with The Whitley Group. Amanice has a son who will be attending Westview Middle School next year.Amber Campbell – Amber is a Director at Texas Department of Family and Protective Services. She has three children in Pflugerville ISD.Ana Duarte – Ana is the Branch Manager for A+ Federal Credit Union in Pflugerville.Carol D. Portillo – Carol is the Client Brand Manager at Dell. She has a child at Murchison Elementary School.Doug Weiss – Doug works for Shutterfly. He currently serves as the Vice President of the Pflugerville Community Development Corporation Board and has children in the district.Dustin Fox – Dustin is an Attorney/Partner at Justinian PLLC. He is a business owner in Pflugerville.Carlos Eric Bowles – Eric is an Assistant Director at the University of Texas at Austin and has children who attend Spring Hill Elementary.Kat Pitman – Kat is the Director of Technology Solutions with an educational nonprofit. She has two daughters at Cele Middle School.Rebecca Elizondo – Becca works for the nonprofit Any Baby Can as their Senior Program Director. She has children attending Cele Middle School.Robyn Householder – Robyn is the Vice President of Goodwill Temporary Services Inc. She has a son attending Hendrickson High School.Soon Merz – Soon is Vice President for Effectiveness and Accountability for ACC and has a grandson at Riojas.For further information regarding the PEF’s amazing work, contact Allison Murray at 512-594-0375 or Allison.murray@pflugervilleisd.net. You can also visit the PEF’s website.You can contact Justinian & Associates, PLLC at either 844-877-1211 (toll free) or 512-980-0000 (Austin local) or the firm’s website.