NEWS RELEASE
For more information, contact:
Tamra Spence, Chief Communication Officer
(512) 594-0097 (Work)
Tamra.Spence@pfisd.net
Amelia Folkes, PEF Marketing Chair
Amelia.Folkes@thepfoundation.org
PEF partners with Office Depot, Domtar to give a fresh start to school year
August 6, 2025 – Eighty Pflugerville ISD teachers received the surprise of a lifetime on Monday, August 4, by loading up on school buses for an unknown destination. Their arrival at the Office Depot Store #2819 in Stone Hill Shopping Center in Pflugerville revealed the true plan: a Start ProudⓇ Shopping spree hosted by the Pflugerville Education Foundation (PEF), Office Depot, and Domtar Paper. The total donation of $20,000 was given to help teachers purchase classroom supplies.
The atmosphere was energetic as teachers, who had no idea what the afternoon held moments before, filled their shopping carts with notebooks, art supplies, and other essential classroom materials. The surprise event celebrated educators from five schools—Dessau Middle School, Dessau Elementary School, Spring Hill Elementary School, Delco Elementary School, and PACE High School.
Each teacher was given $250 to spend as they wished throughout the store. Participants also received a mobile folding cart and gift bag from Office Depot, which included products that Crayola donated. These schools were selected in recognition of the incredible work they have done to improve individual student achievement and overall school progress.
"We are so thrilled to partner with Office Depot and Domtar Paper to surprise our amazing teachers with a back-to-school shopping spree," said Staci Young, president of the Pflugerville Education Foundation. "Watching these teachers' look of confusion turn to excitement as they learned what was happening was priceless. It was so wonderful to see them buy the supplies they know will set them and their students up for success.”
This support helps alleviate the financial burden for these teachers, who often pay for school supplies out of their own pockets. There are many ways to support the teachers and students of PfISD. Supporting the Pflugerville Education Foundation by getting involved will help raise necessary funds to develop, implement, and sustain new teaching strategies, innovative ideas, and other initiatives to enhance instruction and educational opportunities, as well as recognize exemplary students and educators. To learn more or to make a donation, please visit the Pfoundation website at www.thepfoundation.org.
In the News:
Pflugerville ISD teachers receive $20k shopping spree | KXAN Austin
Pflugerville teachers surprised with $20,000 back-to-school shopping spree
About Pflugerville Education Foundation
The Pflugerville Education Foundation is a non-profit organization that operates independently of the school district but shares the district’s vision for quality education with a commitment to excellence. Established in 2006, the foundation relies on contributions from community leaders, businesses, parents, and grants to support the students, staff, and the community of Pflugerville ISD. For additional information and to learn how you can be a part of the Pfoundation’s outstanding work or serve on the board, visit https://thepfoundation.org/.
About Office Depot’s Start Proud!
As part of Office Depot’s Start Proud!® program, nearly a thousand teachers will be impacted nationwide, with a series of surprise exclusive shopping events, facilitated in partnership with local education foundations to help educators create vibrant learning environments while alleviating their out-of-pocket expenses.
