The La Crosse Public Education Foundation was founded in 1988 by some very forward-looking La Crosse residents who were passionate in their support of public education in La Crosse. The organization received its official 501(c)(3) status in February 1989.

Key founders and early supporters include Jean Bassett, Kathryn Cappelen, Harry Dahl, Sue Durtsche, Roberta Gelatt, Elmer Grassman, Rachel Gundersen, Robert Johnson, Audrey Kader, Marilyn Kochsiek, R. Bruce Larson, Richard Lommen, Dr. Charles H. Miller III, Jess Ondell, Ronald Paczkowski, Nancy Quinlisk, Thomas Sleik, Roland Solberg, Gary Stuhr, Brad Sturm, Richard Swantz and Dorothy Tonnis.

They established an endowment at the La Crosse Community Foundation in 1991 to help fund the work we do – investing in school innovation through grants that are awarded to teachers and staff for fresh, creative programs and curriculum that cannot be funded through the district’s already tight budget. Over the years, community members, local businesses and school district staff have contributed generously. Among many individuals and businesses who donated to the initial endowment were these major donors:

• The Gelatt Family, including Northern Engraving Corp., the Gelatt Foundation, Roberta and Daniel Gelatt, and Philip and Elizabeth Gelatt
• Russell and Gail Cleary
• Harry Dahl
• Rachel Gundersen
• Richard Lommen/Ronald McDonald House Charities
• First Federal (now Associated Bank)
• Northern States Power (now Xcel Energy)
• Norwest Bank (now Wells Fargo)
• La Crosse Tribune
• Trane Co.