To the Administrator Addressed s2

June 17, 2009

To the Administrator Addressed:

Subject: Nominations now being accepted for 2009 Employers for Education Excellence Awards

The State Board of Education is now accepting nominations for the 2009 Employers for Education Excellence (EEE) Award, which honors employers who encourage and support employee participation in school activities.

Any employer in the state of Texas is eligible to apply for EEE recognition, including private businesses, nonprofits, state and local governmental entities and educational organizations which have at least one employee and meet the criteria.

School administrators are encouraged to notify qualifying businesses about the EEE awards.

Employers will be eligible to receive an award at one of three levels: bronze, silver, or gold. Eligibility is based on the business meeting the following criteria:

(1) Bronze: for an employer that implements a policy to encourage and support employees who attend parent-teacher conferences;

(2) Silver for an employer that: (a) meets the requirements of bronze; and (b) implements a policy to encourage and support employees who volunteer in school activities; and

(3) Gold for an employer that: (a) meets the requirements of silver; and (b) implements a policy to encourage and support employees who participate in student mentoring programs in schools.

The program requires a business to submit an application to the State Board of Education. The application forms are available at this web address: http://www.tea.state.tx.us/comm/pdfs/EEE_FY09_App_form.pdf.

You can either download the application and mail it to the address provided on the application or you can fill it out online and send it in via email. Detailed instructions are on the application form.

Applications will be accepted until July 31. The applications will be reviewed and recommendations on awardees will be made to the State Board of Education. The SBOE may approve or modify the recommendation.

EEE award recipients will be honored by the SBOE at the regular November board meeting. The awards will be valid for three years. At the end of three years, a business may reapply for the same level of recognition or for a higher level if they meet the criteria.

The complete application must be submitted by July 31 to:

Texas Education Agency Communications Division Employer for Education Excellence Award 1701 Congress Avenue, Room 2-180 Austin, Texas 78701

For additional information, e-mail [email protected] or call the Communications Division at 512-463-9000.

Sincerely,

Sheila Allee EEE Program Coordinator