Foundation For Allen Schools Announces Laura Sherwood as New Director and Grant Coordinator
The Foundation For Allen Schools is proud to announce Laura Sherwood as the organization’s new Director and Grant Coordinator. Laura, an experienced educator and nonprofit leader, will transition into this role from the Allen ISD Learner Services team. Laura brings 25 years of professional experience from the public education and philanthropic fields into this new role. Laura will replace Regina Taylor, who is retiring from the Foundation after more than 26 years as its Director.
In her new capacity, Laura will oversee the Foundation’s signature programs, which include student scholarships, educational classroom grants, and teacher support, recognition and training. The Foundation For Allen Schools has invested more than $4.2 million in Allen ISD since its inception in 1997, and Laura will spearhead an increase in that figure to support the students and staff of Allen schools.
"Laura’s unique blend of classroom experience, administrative leadership, and prior non-profit work makes her the ideal leader for this role," said Joe Vanek, Board of Directors President of the Foundation For Allen Schools. "She understands our teachers and how the Foundation can support them in the classroom. Laura also has the strategic vision necessary to connect community partners with our schools in the ways that will create a lasting impact."
Laura currently serves as a District Instructional Specialist for Allen ISD. In that role, she has worked closely with the Allen Academy to Certify Teachers (ACT) Program and supported first- and second-year educators through the creation of the "New Eagles Newsletter." Her background also includes leadership roles in Connecticut at the Stepping Stones Museum for Children and Westport Public Schools. While at Stepping Stones, a 501(c)3 non-profit, Laura managed corporate events, prepared and presented monthly revenue reports, and helped market the museum’s program offerings to local schools.
Laura is currently pursuing a PhD in Education, Organization, and Leadership with a focus on Interdisciplinary Nonprofits at Texas Woman’s University. She holds a post-master’s diploma in Educational Leadership from Quinnipiac University, a master’s degree from Teachers College, Columbia University and bachelor’s degrees from Randolph-Macon Woman’s College in psychology and dance.
"I am honored to serve the Foundation For Allen Schools and support the incredible teachers and students of Allen ISD," said Laura. "I have seen firsthand how a single grant can transform a classroom environment. I look forward to combining my passion for nonprofit organizations and public education to provide resources to our educators and scholarship support to our students."
About the Foundation For Allen Schools
Established in 1997, the Foundation For Allen Schools is a separate 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting Allen ISD. The Foundation was born from the vision of school and community leaders who were tasked with utilizing a generous estate gift from sisters and lifelong Allen residents, Miss Viola Rose and Mrs. Minnie Rose Shelton.
The Foundation’s programs do not receive tax-based funding; instead, they rely on local donations that stay within the community. Since awarding its first seven grants in 1999, the Foundation has grown to support teacher training, student scholarships, and campus-wide recognition programs, ensuring that the legacy of the Rose sisters continues to transform lives through education.
For more information about the Foundation For Allen Schools or to learn how to support local education, please visit allenisd.org/foundation.