Pub. 55 2014-2015 Issue 4

37 SUMMER 2015 superintendent of Weatherford schools at the time and remembers those years working along-side Durant and others with fondness. “When Jerry came on board in 1991, we were in the midst of trying to create a new vision. His top priority was always what would ultimately be best for our community and for the children.” During those years, the school board worked together to find solutions. They added much-needed facilities for both academic and athletic purposes. And while many other local school boards were making headlines for their extreme dysfunction, the Weath- erford school board was awarded by the state for being a shining example in 1994 when they received recognition as Outstanding School Board in the State of Texas. Now that is one big accolade, and it was a real team effort. Beyond just a working relationship, Durant and Tison fostered a deep friendship that remains today. Tison says, “When he was on the board, Jerry had a gift to listen carefully and then decide what was best for everyone. He was able to listen to the possibili- ties and offer real solutions. That is what characterizes Jerry. He always offers solutions rather than just voicing complaints.” Durant donated a portion of the land where they built the new state-of-the-art Weatherford High School. Although that build- ing project got underway after his tenure on the school board had ended, he helped pave the way for that major upgrade and lay out a progressive new vision for Weatherford schools. He also sold a portion of land to the ISD, which he had originally purchased for his own investment purposes. Tison says, “He sold it to us for exactly what he had bought it for years earlier, not making a dime. It was a very beneficial deal for the city.” Charlotte Lagrone is director of community relations for the Education Foundation, of which Durant was a founding board member in 2000. The mission of the Education Foundation is to raise funds for school supplies as well as to provide grants for innovative teachers within the district. Each year the State Board of Education awards 15 recipients – one from each region – the Heroes for Children Award. This program was established in 1994. In 2012, Weatherford ISD nominated Durant for this special recognition. The Heroes for Children Award seeks to spotlight volunteers who have been shown excellence in the area of advocacy for children. Lagrone says, “From his time on the school board to the do- nation of land for our high school, Durant has given so much of himself to Weatherford schools.” She explained that he is also a member of the board for Project Opportunity Scholarship Founda- tion, which awards finances to worthyWeatherford ISD graduates who plan to go on and attend Weatherford College. “This fund provides opportunities for kids who wouldn’t otherwise have the chance to attend college,” she says. If there is a need to be met in and aroundWeatherford, chances are that the Durant family is already involved with it. And where the city of Weatherford is concerned, they couldn’t have a more vocal spokesman nor a more generous and humble benefactor. One of the largest employers in Parker andHood Counties with 437 employees and an $18 million payroll and growing, the Jerry Durant Auto Group supports 58 charities, schools, hospitals, and essential community institutions with over $800,000 per year in direct monetary contributions and countless volunteer hours by dealership staff. Demonstrating at every level of the organization, starting with Jerry and Vickie Durant, the heart of a champion. 