In May 2018, the Clements Foundation made a historic $10 million gift to the Highland Park Education Foundation Tartan Fund to establish the William P. Clements, Jr. Fund in support of teachers in the Highland Park Independent School District. The gift is the largest in the history of the Education Foundation and District.
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"This gift recognizes our teachers' skill and dedication, and shows our appreciation of their commitment to our students," Nancy Seay said. Seay is the daughter of Governor Bill Clements and a board member of the Clements Foundation. "The goal of this gift to the Highland Park Education Foundation is to help the school district support our teachers."
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Clements graduated from Highland Park High School in 1934 and all of his grandchildren and many of his great-grandchildren have attended HPISD. He exemplified HPISD's motto, "Enter to learn. Go forth to serve," through his career serving as the Deputy Secretary of Defense for four years before making history in 1978 when he was elected the first Republican Governor of Texas in over 100 years. Clements was also the founder of SEDCO, which became the largest offshore drilling company in the world.
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Clements was a man of true entrepreneurial spirit with a love of family and community. His philanthropy was transformative to countless institutions and to the citizens of Dallas.
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"This gift is a perfect fit for the Clements Foundation because it combines my grandfather's respect for teachers with his love for the Highland Park schools and community," said Pauline Neuhoff, President of Clements Foundation and granddaughter of Gov. Bill Clements." We hope it inspires the community to join us in making our excellent school district even better."
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The William P. Clements, Jr. Fund is invested in HPEF's Tartan Fund to support the long-term needs of teachers.
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"This transformational gift to the Tartan Fund is helping meet the enduring needs of teachers into the future," HPEF Board President Ann Fielder said. "WIth the principal of the gift invested, a portion of the annual income from earnings is available to help meet teacher needs across the entire District."
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For more information about how to make a gift to the Tartan Fund, click here.