Our Mission
The mission of the La Crosse Public Education Foundation is to enhance learning opportunities for students in the School District of La Crosse and to promote community understanding and support for public education.
VIDEO: 30 Years of Innovation in La Crosse Classrooms
Our History
Ann Petersen, a graduating senior at Logan High School, leads the march down the hallways at Northside Elementary School for the senior march in May 2016.
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. (See a complete Board history here.)
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.
The Foundation expects to provide more than $300,000 in support in 2021 to students and staff in the School District of La Crosse. This includes about $80,000 in Gold Star classroom grants and more than $30,000 for Random Acts of Kindness to meet needs of students in areas such as nutrition, hygiene, clothing, and transportation.
Executive Director David Stoeffler
Email: david@lacrosseeducationfoundation.org
Office: (608) 787-0226
David Stoeffler, a southwest Wisconsin native and Viterbo University graduate, is executive director of the La Crosse Public Education Foundation.
David joined the foundation in June 2014 after a nearly 35 year career in the newspaper business. Among his jobs, David was a reporter at the La Crosse Tribune from 1979-1981, and returned as the Tribune editor in 1995-97. In every community where he served, David was active in community affairs related to children’s issues. As editor of the Tribune, David was a co-founder of the Extra Effort Awards, which recognize high school seniors who have overcome obstacles. In St. Louis, he was president of a charity that raised and distributed money to children’s charities.
In his last position, as Executive Editor of the News-Leader in Springfield, Missouri, David was a co-founder of the Every Child Promise, which has raised $1 million to fund pilot projects as part of a long-range plan “so that every child age birth to 6 has the opportunity to enter our schools ready to learn.”
David is a member of the Rotary Club of La Crosse and supports other community activities, including the Coulee Region Compassion Alliance.
Administrative Assistant
Dawn Hemker dawnh@lacrosseeducationfoundation.org
Dawn oversees financial accounting for LPEF, including working closely with schools on Random Acts of Kindness accounts.
Grants Coordinator
Denise Vujnovich denise@lacrosseeducationfoundation.org
Denise oversees LPEF’s grant-seeking efforts, identifying and writing proposals for local, regional and national grants that will help LPEF fulfill its mission to enhance learning opportunities for students in the School District of La Crosse. For questions about grants awarded by LPEF, contact David Stoeffler.
LPEF Board of Directors
The board of directors of the La Crosse Public Education Foundation is a group of individuals who share the common belief that education is one of the most important values and qualities we can possibly impart to our children. Directors are elected to three-year terms and may serve two terms.
For more information on Board service, please contact Executive Director David Stoeffler at david@lacrosseeducationfoundation.org.
Officers
Anna Prinsen, President, Modern Crane Service
Dr. Tom Thompson, retired veterinarian and former member of the Board of Education
Adam Kendle, Treasurer, Gillette & Associates CPAs
Kathie Tyser, Secretary, Retired Administrator, School District of La Crosse
Rochelle Nicks, Past President, Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration
Directors
Andrew Borgert, Gundersen Medical Foundation
Tracie Bosch, parent and pre-school teacher at Congregational Preschool
Richard Breaux, UW-La Crosse
Dr. Mark Brumm, Mayo Clinic Health System
Scott Chorski, News 8 WKBT
Angela Erdenberger, Coulee Bank
Byron Holz, Logan High School
Kelly Krieg-Sigman, retired director of La Crosse Public Library
Xeng Lee, Longfellow Middle School
Scott Mihalovic, Viterbo University
Julie Nelson, Great Rivers United Way
Heidi Odegaard, Mayo Clinic Health System
John Stuber, Stuber Law Office
Amanda Westphal, Gundersen Health System
Honorary Member
Margaret Dihlmann-Malzer, Retired, Mayo Clinic Franciscan Healthcare
Ex Officio
Aaron Engel, Superintendent, School District of La Crosse
Annie Baumann, representative of Board of Education