Board establishes H-E-B legacy scholarship from district award; policy sets criteria and 25-year timeline

The board approved a new scholarship policy on May 20 to use the district—s award money from the H-E-B Excellence in Education prize to create the LCISD School Board H-E-B Legacy Scholarship. The policy directs the district to award one scholarship each year starting in the 2025–26 school year; the award amount will depend on available funds but will not exceed $1,000 per year under the policy language presented.

The policy lists several eligibility pathways. Applicants must be graduating seniors who meet at least one of the following: participate in a district career and technical education (CTE) or performing and visual arts (PVA) program; be enrolled in a district high school or a nontraditional program (examples listed in the policy include alternative high school, GED, credit recovery, dropout recovery, pregnant-and-parenting programs, night school/flexible scheduling); or be a graduating senior receiving homebound services. The policy also requires applicants to demonstrate a commitment to postsecondary education, CTE, military service or workforce training.

Selection will be made by a committee composed solely of school board members appointed by the board president; the policy says the board committee will establish the application process and rubric and will prioritize academic growth, perseverance, personal statements, dedication to district core values and community involvement rather than relying only on GPA or class rank. The policy further provides that amendments or repeal of the policy require a unanimous vote of all seven board members. The board approved the policy by motion and voice vote.

Ending: Administrators said the first award would be made by the sitting board in May of the award year and that the scholarship program is written to continue annually through the 2047–48 academic year unless the board approves further continuation.