Frances Lyons, President

Assistant Dean for Student Services, KU School of Journalism & Mass Communications

Eudora Schools Parent

When my husband and I were looking to move our family in 2016, Eudora quickly rose to the top of our list. We wanted to plant roots in a community that demonstrated a commitment to excellence in public education and provided opportunities for all students to reach their full potential. We have three children in school now, and I've seen the difference Eudora Schools Foundation initiatives have made in their lives and those of their peers. Because the Foundation partners with the school and community to provide resources that might not otherwise be available, everyone benefits. Our teachers and staff go above and beyond to help our students and enrich their educational experiences. I want to do my part to support and recognize their efforts.  

Denise Dietz, Past President 

Graphic Designer

Eudora Schools Parent

I’ve lived in Eudora for over 18 years and it’s amazing to me how a small (but mighty!) town can produce such great schools.

A solid education provides not only a foundation for learning but it also develops that first sense of community. I don’t think it’s any coincidence that our amazing schools and wonderful community are intrinsically interconnected. It’s also no coincidence that ESF has played an integral role in making that connection happen.

I have 2 children, a daughter at EHS and a son at EMS, who have had so many opportunities because of the focus and dedication that Eudora Schools provide. I’ve also seen firsthand what an ESF grant can do for a teacher, a student or an entire classroom. All of this to say, I’m so excited to be part of ESF to continue those experiences and enhance education in our community in extraordinary and innovative ways.

Christy Bourne, President Elect

Marketing Director, Cboe Global

Eudora Schools Parent

My husband and I settled in Eudora when we married mostly because of Eudora's location to our workplaces, but also because of the reputation of its schools. Upon starting a family and having children in Eudora's schools, we have been impressed with the opportunities the schools provide and the dedication of the teachers and staff. Each year I have been overwhelmed with the generosity this community has shown to the Eudora Schools Foundation. And I've seen the impact ESF has in ensuring our teachers have the support they need to help students thrive. I am excited to give back to the school district that has given so much to my children and this community. My goal is to work with fellow board members to continue the tradition and dedication started by those who preceded us in making our schools the very best. 

Gary Pratt, Treasurer

Private Banking Officer, Meritrust Credit Union

Eudora Schools Parent

In 2010 we moved to my wife Molly’s hometown of Eudora. It was important for us to raise our seven children in a place that feels grounded and real. We enjoy the small town feel, and the commitment to every child and family that makes the community strong. Our children have developed great friendships and role models at the schools in academics and through extracurricular activities. They have also received the support they need to be successful in life after they graduate.

From a young age I was taught that community leadership was a civic responsibility. I was also taught to be a good neighbor and to see the dignity of each person I meet by my mother, who taught special education in Eudora for many years. Eudora has wonderful people and a bright future. I’m proud to serve on the Eudora Schools Foundation to do my part to continue this tradition of excellence and to support our teachers, staff and the families in Eudora.

Richard Vetter, Secretary

Insurance Specialist, Vetter Insurance Services

Eudora Schools Parent

I grew up on a farm in North Central Kansas with small schools and a big community.  The teachers and coaches played a great role in my upbringing.  I went on to graduate from K-State and moved to the Kansas City area where I started my own health insurance agency.  I work with both individuals and small business on finding effective medical insurance plans, and also help them with the transition to Medicare. I met my lovely wife Shawna and we decided we wanted to live in a small town with great schools to raise children.  We bought a house just outside of town and settled in Eudora in 2012.  Shawna volunteers regularly at EES and EMS and also now is a substitute teach as well.  We have always been impressed with how the community and school system have been such a big factor for the people living here.  We currently have a son and a daughter in Eudora Schools so we have seen what a huge impact the teachers at our school district can have on our children and their future. I truly believe that the Eudora Schools Foundation has been an integral part of building our great school district and I am excited to give back and help be a part of it.

Ron Abel

Retired Secondary Educator and Former Principal of Eudora High School

Proud Parent of Four Children that are Graduates of Eudora Schools

As a past student within the Eudora Schools system, I am anxious to give back to the community that has given so much to me and my family. I was fortunate to graduate from two Kansas Regent schools. I earned my undergraduate degree from Emporia State University and my masters degree from Pittsburg State University.  I have taught in three Kansas school districts, and have been an administrator within the Eudora district.  These forty years of service to public education have proven to me that the greatest gift we can give to others is information and  skills that improve their lives and their opportunities.  I believe a strong Eudora school system provides a fantastic base to give our community members opportunities for careers and higher levels of education. I look forward to working with our community members in keeping Eudora a great district to live and learn.

Samantha Arredondo

Talent Acquisition, Omnicom Health

Eudora Schools Parent

Growing up in a small town in East, Central Kansas community involvement and support have played a big part in my early educational success. When my husband and I were looking to relocate our family seven years ago Eudora quickly became our top choice. We enjoyed the small town feel, were impressed with the schools and really felt at home within the community. 

I truly believe in the duty of community service, and am honored to be part of the Eudora Schools Foundation. The mission of the foundation was what initially drew me in, and being able to see that mission come to life and directly impact our students, staff and community has really shown me how special the Eudora Schools Foundation really is! 

Molly Bradstreet

Community Member

Eudora Schools Parent

We moved to Eudora in 2018 in search of smaller schools, and a small town feel for our children. 

I grew up in a family of teachers, and was a teacher myself for 8 years before I began to stay home with our two young boys. They are both at EES now, and I know what a big impact parent and community support can have! For this reason I am excited to get involved with the Foundation board and help in any way possible.

Larry McPherson

Retired Eudora Teacher & Athletics Director

I started teaching in Eudora in the fall of 1968, as the high school Industrial Arts teacher and Driver's Education instructor. I wore a lot of different hats as an assistant football coach, bus driver, and an athletic director. During these years, I loved seeing my fellow teachers and students succeed. There is nothing like watching a student set a record or watching a student's eyes light up when they understand a concept in the classroom. I could barely handout the trophy when our basketball team made it to the state championship because of my excitement of those kids. I loved working at Eudora Schools because of my colleagues and students. I still run into former students, they continue to call me Mr. McPherson, even though, I tell them to call me Larry. Through all the years, I learned that kids know when you care about them. Even today, when times have changed, kids know. Kids know when they matter and that you are taking time to understand them.

During the past few years, I started reading articles about the Eudora Schools Foundation and also talking to parents about ways their students benefited from the Foundation's opportunities. I love the idea of Eudora kids getting new experiences and teachers getting the support they need. This why the Foundation's important to me.

Priya Nibert

Marketing & Operations Director, BlueJacket Crossing Vineyard & Winery

Eudora School Parent
My husband Ryan and I moved to Eudora in 2016. Eudora had a reputation for great schools that appealed to our growing family. It wasn’t until our oldest reached school age that we understood exactly what that meant. The district and teachers in Eudora care about the kids and they invest in nurturing the whole student. It quickly became obvious to us that the community returned that investment into the schools, teachers, and students.

As a community member, I have seen firsthand the thoughtful contributions the Eudora Schools Foundation makes to our district. The organization and its members strive to go above and beyond to lift up our children and their families through education and opportunity. I’m honored to be part of this organization and all that they do to make our children’s schooling experience enriching as possible. 

Lindsey Norwood

Senior Account Manager, Readiness Rounds

Eudora Schools Parent

Holding a degree in business, over the past 14 years, I've navigated healthcare and performance improvement within hospital settings, prioritizing accuracy and confidentiality every step of the way.

Beyond my professional endeavors, I'm a proud mother of two wonderful children. Balancing the joys of motherhood with a commitment to advancing my career has been central to my life's journey.

For the last decade, Eudora has been our home, where we’ve cultivated roots and a strong sense of community. Joining the Eudora Schools Foundation will allow me to actively engage in our community and invest my time and efforts in enhancing our local
schools.

Fred Ramirez

School Resource Office, Eudora Schools

Eudora Schools Parent

When me and my wife first got married, we moved to Eudora, because it was in between my work and hers.  We also wanted to live in a small community to raise our children in.  While the kids were young we heard great things about the school district, and were excited for our kids to be apart of it.  I have a daughter in middle school and a son in high school, and I know they are in good hands.  I have worked with the schools for the past two years and have seen first hand how hard the teachers and staff work to provide a good learning environment for the kids.  I chose to be a part of the Eudora Schools Foundation to do my part in making sure the schools have what they need to continue excellence.  

Connor Schmidt

Undergraduate, University of Kansas

Paraprofessional, Eudora Schools

Eudora Alumnus

Since 2016, I have lived in Eudora and while that seems like a short time, I have come to love this place like no other. I graduated from EHS in 2020 and currently have a brother and sister that are students in the district. Also, if you know Ms. Schmidt the 2nd grade teacher, that is my mom. During in high school, I played basketball all four years, was a member of the band, and also served as student body president my senior year. Before I moved here, my family and I used to visit my cousins in Eudora every summer. I came from a bigger city so I always looked forward to all the great things that Eudora had to offer. During my time in the schools, I was able to see first-hand the amazing actions and projects that were put in place by the foundation. As I am now a part of the Foundation, I hope to help make positive differences that will last well into the future. 

Jennifer Schurle

Chief Financial Officer, Schurle Signs

Eudora Schools Parent

"My husband and I moved to Eudora after we got married in 2005. Once we had kids, we knew we wanted to stay and raise our boys here. I have volunteered at jog-a-thon and was the co-chair of jog-a-thon for two years. I have also been a mentor in the middle school mentoring program for three years now. Volunteering, I have seen how the grants from Eudora School Foundation have helped out teachers and the children. When I was asked to be apart of ESF, I was honored and excited to be apart of everything ESF does."

Dallas Smith

Compensation Manager, University of Kansas

Eudora Schools Parent

My wife and I moved to Eudora in 2005.  At that time, we picked Eudora because it was in between KU and her job in Olathe.  However, we quickly fell in love with Eudora and knew we wanted to raise our kids here.  Fast forward to now, our daughter and son attend Eudora Schools.  Our schools are the lifeblood of this community and I enjoy volunteering at EES whenever I have the chance.  I volunteer one day a month to serve as a WatchDog for my daughter’s class.  This has provided me the opportunity to personally see how valuable our schools, teachers, and support staff are to the healthy development of our children.  I also serve on the EES Site Council which allows additional visibility into other initiatives and goals of the school.  I was honored when asked to join the Eudora Schools Foundation Board, as this will give me additional opportunities to assist in supporting our schools and teachers throughout our District.  I am very excited for this opportunity and I look forward to begin contributing to this awesome foundation.   

Randy van Foeken

Information Technology, Washburn University Foundation

Eudora Schools Parent

Eudora is a great community, with great people. Supporting the Eudora Schools and giving back to our
community is important to me. My wife, Julie, and our 4 boys moved to Eudora in 2018. We are
fortunate to be a part of EES, EMS and EHS. We have seen our boys thrive in the Eudora Schools. The
opportunities provided to students through academics, sports, clubs, and community events are
tremendous. Eudora school staff, teachers, and coaches support developing leaders, provide
encouragement and push students to be the best they can be. Being a part of the Eudora School
Foundation is a great way to continue to bring extra resources to our schools and teachers. I look
forward to connecting with more of the Eudora community.

Jeremy Warren

Director Training & Safety, KidsTLC

Eudora Schools Parent

I grew up in a small, farm community in North Central Kansas.  I had a great experience growing up in that community and had several teachers and coaches that made a positive impact in my life.  This experience led me down a path of wanting to give back and help others.  I graduated from Baker University in Baldwin City, KS with a Psychology degree and went to work at a non-profit child welfare agency in Lawrence, KS that assisted children and their families in our foster care and juvenile justice system. While at Baker University, I also met a pretty fantastic lady, and married her in 2004.  When we were talking about having children and where to raise them, we wanted them to have the same experience in a small town we did. This little town of Eudora was right down the road from us.  Everything lined up and now my wife, Tina, works for the school district in the Nurse’s Office and both of our daughters have attended EES and EMS; my oldest will be a freshman this upcoming school year and my youngest a 5th grader.  I currently work in Olathe at KidsTLC and continue my mission of helping families and children who struggle with mental and behavioral health issues.  I see the importance of education, resources, and community connections that is needed to build people up and set them up for success.  We have been impressed with every school professional our girls have worked with in our district.  We see they love and support our schools provide for community members so joining the Eudora Schools Foundation is another great opportunity for me to give back.

Abbi Warmker

Federal Oversight Program Analyst

Eudora Schools Parent

My husband and I decided from the start that Eudora is the only place we want to raise our two children. We love this community, and we continue to be especially impressed by the school district. I have watched over the years how the initiatives of the Eudora Schools Foundation enable our district to meet the needs of the children and provide them with new opportunities to grow and learn. I am honored and excited to help serve the students, staff, and community alongside the Eudora Schools Foundation.

David Westerhouse

Co-Owner, Westerhouse Heating and Cooling

Eudora Alumnus

Eudora School Parent

I am a proud lifelong resident of Eudora, having attended Eudora schools from kindergarten through graduation. My deep connection to the community continues through my two young children, one currently attending Eudora Elementary School and the other set to start kindergarten next year.

As a co-owner of Westerhouse Heating and Cooling, a family business founded by my father and now operated by my brother and me, I am deeply invested in our town’s success.

My love for Eudora and its school district runs deep, and I am thrilled to serve on the Eudora Schools Foundation board, where I look forward to contributing to our community's bright future.

Mike White

Transportation Supervisor, UPS

Eudora Schools Parent

My wife and I moved to Eudora in 2020. At the time we were leaving a larger city and wanted to move back into a smaller city to better raise our family and be a part of a tight knit community. Eudora is a great community with people in it. With our 5 kids, we have had the opportunity to be a part of the Elementary, Middle school and High school and see our kids excel. I was excited to be invited to join Eudora School Foundation and look forward to participate in the success of this foundation. 

Stu Moeckel

Superintendent, USD #491 (ex-officio)

Eudora Schools Parent

I am excited to be a part of the Eudora community and serve others in helping to continue the great things that are going on!  This community and its residents have been so supportive of myself and my family during this transition making us feel right at home.  Our schools at USD #491 are filled with amazing staff, teachers and students, and I am eager to meet and work with everyone.

My wife, Summer, an elementary teacher for 18 years, is currently an elementary teacher for Lawrence Public Schools. We have a daughter, Brennan, and two sons, Braxton and Brantley. Our family is excited about the opportunities that exist in Eudora. Being new to the schools, I am excited learn all the amazing and innovative things going on at USD #491. 

Mr. Moeckel comes to Eudora after serving the students and families of Madison-Virgil USD 386, in Madison, Kansas, as their superintendent of schools and high school principal. Prior to serving in USD 386, Mr. Moeckel was a high school principal and activities director at Victoria High School, following nine years as an industrial and technology studies teacher. Mr. Moeckel earned his Bachelor's degree and Master's in Education Administration from Fort Hays State University. In May of 2022, Mr. Moeckel will conclude his doctoral degree from Wichita State University.

Kelley Woods

Board of Education Representative

Educator

Eudora Schools Parent

My husband and I both grew up in small towns and when starting our family we decided our children needed to have the same great small community experience. We moved to Eudora in 2008, where we have raised our three children. Our oldest graduated from Eudora High School in 2024, our middle child is in high school and our youngest attends the middle school. We  love our little town and school district and know that we made the best decision moving here and planting roots.

Shanda Hurla, MS Ed., Executive Director

I truly enjoy working for the Eudora Schools Foundation. I am passionate about public education and the role that education it has our community. I have found that our small community is mighty and generous in its support.

When it comes to giving our Eudora students the education they need and deserve, public funds are simply inadequate. ESF helps to fill that gap, allowing Eudora Schools to sustain and expand innovative programs that might otherwise disappear from schools.

It is the role of the Eudora Schools Foundation to support district innovation, to enhance student opportunities, to reward teacher excellence, and make our schools the very best. We fund innovative academic initiatives through classroom grants, student enrichment programs, staff development and recognition, and ultimately grow our endowment to ensure student success, today and long into the future. I have personally seen the investment and contributions from our community to make our schools the best - we are mighty, we are generous!

My husband and I moved into the district in 2001 because of the excellent reputation of the schools. Our three of our four children now attend schools within the district. As a parent, I know the importance of quality education and value the district’s tradition of excellence and desire for innovation. I look forward to continuing the Foundation’s work to make Eudora Schools a “Destination District".

"This position with the Eudora Schools Foundation really piqued my interest.  Coordinating programs and volunteers allows me to merge some of my passion for service with my experience in program development.  Not to mention the added opportunity to be more present for my four children who are growing up as proud Cardinals.  I am excited about the opportunities that are on the horizon for this community and school district, and I really feel that my strengths can be utilized to further support the work of the Eudora Schools Foundation for students and educators" - Monica Dittmer

Monica earned her Bachelor’s degree in Social Work with a minor in Human Development and Family Life from the University of Kansas. She lives in Eudora with her husband, Chris Berger, and their sons: Cayden, Orion, and London, and their daughter, Austyn.  The family also boasts an almost real life circus with 2 dogs, 1 cat, and 2 gerbils also as a part of the family.  Monica and her husband are licensed foster parents, often welcoming bonus children into their home.

Prior to the Eudora Schools Foundation, Monica was one of the most legendary veterans in the Boys & Girls Club Movement. She started at the Boys & Girls Club of Lawrence in January of 2002. Monica was named the CEO for the Boys & Girls Club of Lawrence in April 2020, after serving in the Interim CEO role since July 2019, while simultaneously maintaining her previous role as the Executive Director of the Center for Great Futures. Dittmer accepted the official CEO position just weeks after the COVID-19 pandemic began terrorizing the state. In her 22 year long career in youth development, Dittmer has worked in nearly every job duty at the Boys & Girls Club. She also led the organization in a vitally important deep-dive into its cultural practices by partnering the Club with Sophic Solutions, a change management and consulting firm that specializes in operationalizing equity.

Before taking on the Interim CEO and Executive Director roles, Dittmer was in her longest-term position as the Club’s Director of Operations (10 years). It was she who paved the way to open a Boys & Girls Club location in all 14 (at the time) of the USD 497 elementary schools. Her leadership helped BGCLK’s average daily attendance soar up to 1,500 kids per day. She has managed an army of dedicated staff who continue to impact the lives of young people everyday. 

After 22 years with the Boys & Girls Club in Lawrence, the decision to make a change was not an easy one, but Monica is very much looking forward to being more embedded in the community in which she lives and is raising a family and to work as the volunteer and program coordinator for the Eudora Schools Foundation.

My husband and I relocated back to Kansas from Southern California. We love the Eudora area and all it has to offer, including very welcoming schools and lots of activities for our family. I'm a busy mom with my youngest at Eudora High School and my son in the Air Force. We have a small farm and enjoy our horses and many other animals. I'm excited to be a part of the Eudora Schools Foundation, and I'm overwhelmed by how much kindness this community shows.