TULSA, Okla.—TTCU The Credit Union has announced a $1-million pledge match to benefit school districts in its service areas in northeast Oklahoma.
At the same time, TTCU said it is also launching “SOS – Support Our Schools,” which it said is to be a major matching pledge fundraising effort to raise significant funds for Tulsa area school districts.
The campaign goal is $4 million. To date, TTCU The Credit Union reported that campaign supporters collectively have pledged to match community donations up to $1.5 million. As part of the $1.5 already committed, three Tulsa-based foundations – George Kaiser Family Foundation, Charles and Lynn Schusterman Family Foundation and Zarrow Family Foundations – collectively have pledged to support the campaign with up to $500,000. Other donors committing to the project include Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Oklahoma and American Airlines.
TTCU President and CEO Tim Lyons announced the initiative at a press conference where he was joined by Tulsa Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Deborah Gist, Broken Arrow Public Schools Superintendent Jarod Mendenhall, and Managing Director, Aircraft Overhaul and Maintenance at American Airlines, Mark Easton.
According to the credit union, the pledges and campaign are in response to the state funding shortfall gripping schools across Oklahoma.
“TTCU has been serving schools for more than 80 years,” said Lyons. “We are stepping up to say ‘we will help,’ and we hope that our challenge pledge serves as a catalyst for the business community and individuals to join us in this effort to support area schools.”
Statewide, Oklahoma school districts are facing a $60-million shortfall. The shortfall for Tulsa area schools alone accounts for more than $6 million. The same shortfall, plus additional cuts, will impact school districts again next year, TTCU The Credit Union said.
“We can’t solve the problem,” Lyons said. “That’s the legislature’s responsibility. But we believe our local philanthropic, business and individual resources can provide a vital bridge until a more permanent solution is implemented at the state level.”
Donations are being collected through Tulsa Community Foundation’s online giving site. Those who donate to the SOS – Support Our Schools fund – can specify the schools they wish to receive their donations, or can contribute to a general fund that will be apportioned to the 15 largest school districts in the Tulsa area based on enrollment.