Public records obtained by The Dallas Express show Carroll ISD sought payment from Kush Rao and his Southlake Foundation in 2025 from a fundraiser promoted to raise funds for a district-hosted Special Olympics event.
As previously reported by The Dallas Express, questions have arisen in Southlake regarding the Southlake Foundation and its president, Kush Rao, after two sources with direct knowledge told DX that proceeds from a February 2025 fundraiser intended for Carroll ISD’s Special Olympics program were not distributed until after Rao became aware of The Dallas Express investigation into the matter more than a year after the fundraiser was held and months after the Special Olympics event.
Southlake Foundation President Kush Rao promoted the Feb. 1, 2025 gala as sold out ahead of the fundraiser tied to Carroll ISD’s Special Olympics program | Screenshot via Facebook.
Emails provided by Carroll ISD show Superintendent Jeremy Glenn contacted Rao on April 28, 2025, after Special Olympics coach Ashley Poteet was informed that the foundation would not provide funding for the event.
“Earlier this year, you invited me, along with a group of principals, teachers, and students to a wonderful event hosted by the Southlake Foundation to raise funds for families with special needs in our school district,” Glenn wrote.
“One of our sponsors, Coach Ashley Poteet, was under the impression some of the proceeds from that event would be available to help support the Special Olympics hosted in Southlake. However, when she recently reached out to request those funds, she was informed that the Foundation would not be able to assist.”
Glenn asked Rao to provide clarification regarding the use of the funds.
In a May 1, 2025, response, Rao said the funding request was submitted after the event had concluded and did not align with the foundation’s established process.
“I understand Coach Poteet’s inquiry about funding for the Special Olympics,” Rao wrote. “After speaking with our committee, I’ve confirmed that the request for these funds came after the event had concluded. Unfortunately, this makes it difficult for the committee to disburse the funds, as it doesn’t align with the process we’ve followed, including last year.”
Rao also listed several ways the foundation said it had supported Carroll ISD’s Special Olympics programs in 2024, including track meet medals, T-shirts, supplies, a homecoming float, Job Olympics, a state cheer entry fee, and state track meet supplies.
“We strive to be transparent in our funding process and ensure that funds are allocated according to established guidelines,” Rao wrote.
The following day, Glenn thanked Rao for the clarification but sought additional information regarding how funds raised specifically for Special Olympics would be allocated.
“Could you please share how the funds raised specifically for Special Olympics are being allocated this year?” Glenn wrote on May 2, 2025.
“Additionally, we would appreciate guidance on the steps the district or our coaches should take to ensure future requests are submitted in a timely manner and align with the Foundation’s funding process, especially for events like the Special Olympics.”
Rao ultimately made a payment to Carroll ISD following DX‘s initial inquiry and despite his refusal to pay in his email exchanges with the district. The payment was for much less than the amount raised on behalf of Carroll ISD’s Special Olympics, and at the time of that payment, the Southlake Foundation was defunct for tax forfeiture according to public records.
The Dallas Express reached out to Rao and the Southlake Foundation for comment but did not receive a response.
Provided by Dallas Express
