Foundation Board of Trustees

“The importance of a public school education cannot be overstated. I believe a public education provides our young citizens with a sound academic foundation, an exposure to diversity, lifelong friends, and perhaps most importantly in these times, the ability to think clearly and independently. It is for these reasons that I am pleased to serve on the Foundation board.” — Judge Tom Little

The Decatur Public Schools Foundation owes its existence to the foresight of our original stakeholders. They recognized that public schools across the country were facing financial challenges that would only grow more daunting. They established the Foundation and defined its mission to organize private resources in support of District #61. Reviewing the list of past Trustees reveals why our organization has been so successful. The roster includes individuals who are fully devoted to this community and who remain active participants in charting its future. We’re proud to count such individuals as friends and continual advisors. 

2023-2024 Board of Trustees

New Trustees are nominated, evaluated, and approved for admission by current Board members, with input from active prior members and founding directors. 13 Trustees are elected to three-year terms which can be renewed once, for a total service tenure of six years. The Superintendent and a Board of Education member provide advisory input to ensure alignment with District strategic planning. 

Past Foundation Trustees

In chronological order of service 

Peggy Madden, Jeff Black, John Cobb, Adele Glenn, Jane Johnson, Kim Leftwich, Bill Oliver, Dr. Bill Requarth, Bob Smith, Tom Swartz, Dr. Ken Arndt, Jackie Goetter, Monica Hawkins, Pat Laegeler, Cindy Neff, Chris Olsen, John Hedges, Helen Miller, Mac McPherson, Keith Casteel, Craig Huss, Duane Noland, Marilyn Davis, Ruth Cortright, Gary Likins, Gary McElfresh, Richard Demirjian, Alida Graham, Wole Adeoye, John Funk, Mike Gibson, Jan Mandernach, Lisa Holder White, Gloria J. Davis, Janis Kirby, Dave Butts, Jason Small, Lucy Smith, Tom Binder, Jim Forrester, Wendy Morthland, Brian Byers, T.J. Jackson, Jan Kelsheimer, Ron Pulera, Dan Winter, Tiffany Lukis, Stephen Pyle, Val Talley, Shirley Kistler, Dave Weber, Larry Altenbaumer, Shelith Hansbro, Daetta Jones, Brian Hodges, Lisa Taylor, Ryan McCrady, Sherri Perkins, Dr. Todd Werpy, Amy Chronister Ridley, Judge Tom Little, Michael Allen, Sue Pilling, Regan Andreas Deering, Paul Fregeau, Bobbi Williams, Kim Hurm