PEF LEADERSHIP
Board MembersBill Burhans - President
Jason Martin - Vice President Keith Crowell - Student Scholarships Maggie Hills - Spotlight Awards Tom Sielatycki - Marketing/Technology Angie Schultz - STEP Camps & STEAM Night Shayna Barry - Teacher Grants Bo Snyder - School Board Liaison Available - At large board member(s) Advisors:
Michelle Karpinski, Community Relations Mark Bielang, Superintendent Learn more about joining our board - CLICK HERE!
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Founding MembersMike Collins
Jan Dancer Pat Dolan John Everts Joseph Heywood John Manske Ron Molitor Dee Dee Murch Dr. L Donald Pipe Jim Rikers Josh Weiner |
PEF Story
The Portage Education Foundation was established in 1990, when Dr. L Donald Pipe needed a manner in which he could donate a computer lab to the district. Over our history, we have acted in numerous capacities for the district. We are a 100% volunteer-driven board of trustees.
Our community needs a mechanism in which it can help educate our children and support our district staff in a manner that goes above and beyond what the school district can provide with limited time and resources. The PEF fills this role by engaging with teachers, businesses, non-profit organizations, and families. The mission of the PEF is to help develop, provide, and enhance the educational opportunities for the largest number of students, staff, and community members possible.
Since 1990, the PEF has raised funds from private sources to provide student scholarships and staff development grants, pilot innovative educational programs, and supply in-classroom teacher mini-grants. PEF has also purchased new technology hardware and software and provided funds to support this technology. This technology is then put to good use throughout the school year and during the Summer Technology Exploration Program (STEP), which PEF brings to hundreds of PPS students each summer free of charge.
Funding
We fund pilot programs, such as our Makey-Makey technology equipment or the district-wide program to host author, Max Brooks, in the community to discuss his book, World War Z, which specifically explores many racial issues. |
Collaboration
We collaborate with teachers, staff, and community members to bring our Summer Technology Exploration Program (STEP) to our students every summer at no-cost to families. Students thrive in this environment. |
Scholarships & Grants
We manage scholarships created in honor of students and teachers. We build and direct our endowed funds used to support our various activities. We engage teachers to fund classroom mini-grants. |