The Conservatory Spa of Kingwood underwrites $70,000 fundraiser

The Sept. 8 Humble ISD trustee meeting was unusually generous, as two separate groups announced plans for hefty donations to the district. Waste Management and the Conservatory Day Spa presented the board with funds that will benefit local elementary schools at a combined total of more than $500,000. 

Waste Management announced plans to donate $450,000 to the Education Humble ISD Foundation for the establishment of endowed chairs for elementary science education. The donation will serve four Humble ISD elementary schools and will work towards advancing science instruction, application and achievement.

Superintendent Dr. Guy Sconzo said that the pledge was unique. “I know of no other instance where a company has funded an endowed chair on the elementary level.” Traditionally, an endowed chair is a university professorship supported by foundation funds. The original bequest is untouched for a period of time, with the annual interest covering expenses.

The Waste Management Endowed Chair positions in Humble ISD will provide hands-on, researched-based learning experiences in the areas of earth, physical and life science. Four campuses – Fall Creek, North Belt, Park Lakes and River Pines elementary schools – will benefit from the endowment. These campuses were chosen due to their proximity to Waste Management’s Atascocita Landfill.

Kingwood’s Conservatory Day Spa and Salon owners Earl and Karen Garrison also announced their intent to underwrite a $70,000 fundraising effort benefiting the replacement of Foster Elementary’s playground equipment. The Conservatory has provided 600 gift certificates in various denominations to Foster Elementary students at a total value of $35,000. Donors will be able to use the certificates for services at the spa.

The existing equipment was destroyed in a fire on July 4, and costs for replacing the equipment have been estimated at $80,000. Although the school was covered under district insurance policies, replacement expenses were less than the district’s deductible. Karen Garrision addressed the board “as a mother, and grandmother,” and said that “every day a child goes to school without a playground, everyone loses.” The Garrisons said that they hope “other businesses will step forth and do what they can to help.”

In a related agenda item, the board reviewed the district policy on playground expenses. Board member Brent Engelage expressed the opinion that “playgrounds should be part of the school, like libraries.” He said, “We shouldn’t have to rely on the Conservatory.”

Board member Robert Scarfo agreed, saying that “There is a certain level of equipment the district should provide.” He added however, that determining that level “is an issue we struggled with.” Scarfo said that although the district cannot replace items purchased without district funds, “we can help soften the blow when the equipment is damaged.”

Arson was also to blame when the Oaks Elementary School playground was destroyed on two separate occasions. Board members generally agreed that a change in policy would create equity issues. 

For more information about assisting Foster Elementary, contact Foster principal Terri VeDepo at 281-641-1400. For information about the Conservatory Day Spa, please call 281-359-3300.