Denise Dietz, 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.

Ed Hurtig, Past President

Architect

Eudora Schools Parent

I grew up in a small town in north central Kansas and received an excellent education from both the school and the community. My upbringing helped me understand that when I had kids I wanted to make sure I raised them in a community with a great education system. We picked Eudora because of the people that we met and the opportunities the community offered. Once our children entered the school system, I knew that the choice we made was a great one. I have enjoyed watching my children grow and learn in this great school system, and I look forward to seeing the opportunities that lay ahead of them. I have a passion to make an impact in my community, and the Eudora Schools Foundation provides that opportunity for me.  Being a part of the Foundation board gives me a chance to give back to an educational system that is the backbone of this community, and I look forward to working with my fellow Foundation members on making a meaningful impact to Eudora.

Frances Lyons, President Elect

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.  

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.

Christy Bourne, Secretary

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. 

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! 

Teresa Carnagie

Retired Administrative Activities Assistant, Eudora Schools

My family moved outside of Eudora in 1990, our two children graduated from Eudora.  I had the privilege to work for this awesome school district, as an Administrative Activities Assistant at Eudora High School. I retired in August of 2020, but during my time, I worked with many outstanding and caring staff members. I believe that our district staff has compassion for students, not only in educating and counseling, but the emotional and physical well-being of every student. This is something I am very passionate about. I believe the emotional and physical wellness of a student is an important part of their education.  Our small but mighty community has a great deal to do with this outstanding district.  If you need something, our community will find a way to help students and staff out.  That is why I'm proud to serve on the Eudora Schools Foundation.  

Candace Dunback

Athlete Network

Eudora Schools Parent

Why Eudora Schools…

As a young couple with no children, my husband and I settled in Eudora because at the time it split our work commutes perfectly East and West from our front door. Eighteen years and two children later, we are incredibly thankful we made the decision we did. We unexpectedly found a community and school district that not only supports our children in the ways they need, but also a warm and welcoming spirit of collaboration at a unique level. 

Why is education important…

The value of education comes in many forms and may vary from person to person based on their experiences or circumstances.  At the core of education, we are helping individuals find the best version of themselves and by doing so we are enriching their lives and elevating our communities simultaneously. Students become tomorrow’s leaders and educators who may effectuate change as needed and empower the next generation of Cardinals. Education is cyclical.

Why I care…

I am very conscious of the impact educators have had in my life. The direction of our lives is a reflection of the people who come in and out of our life stories. Educators were instrumental in keeping me pointed in a positive direction. Now that I have two sons in the Eudora School District, I have found even more clarity on this concept. On a daily basis I see strong educators come into my sons’ lives, plant seeds of curiosity and watch them grow. I have an immense amount of gratitude for the opportunity to support these individuals in the ways I am able while seeking that elusive balance of work and personal life.

Dain Hammerschmidt

Project Manager, Kiewit Engineering Group

Eudora Schools Parent

Nearly 20 years ago I graduated with a degree in civil engineering that afforded me the opportunity to chase my dreams of building incredible projects. That dream came true thanks to great teachers who shaped my confidence and helped guide me through the rigors of each next step. They not only prepared me for my future career, but for life as a whole.  I believe that strong schools are the foundation of a strong community and provide a solid platform for our kids to leap from into life. 

My wife, Katie and I, and our four children love calling Eudora home. Being part of the Eudora Schools Foundation allows me the opportunity to give back to our community and honor all the great teachers who believed in me along the way. 

Kelly Long

Realtor, McGrew

Eudora Schools Parent

Eudora Schools Alumna

I am so excited to be able to serve my community as a member of the Eudora Schools Foundation. As a former EHS graduate, Eudora Schools hold a special place in my heart. My husband, another former EHS graduate, and I have three children in the district. When families, like ours, can trust that their children are in a safe, strong learning environment, they will continue to live in and support their community, making it a better place. I believe that the Eudora Schools Foundation has been an integral part of building the robust, trusted environment we have throughout the district today.

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. 

Alvin Perez-Cruz

Hospital Administrator, Leavenworth VA Medical Center

Eudora Schools Parent

After 20 years of dedicated service, I retired from the United States Army in 2017. I moved to Eudora the same year and quickly immersed myself in the community, both volunteering at the Eudora schools and coaching youth sports. I continue to serve as a Hospital Administrator with Veterans Administration (VA) Health Care System, where I offer a vast knowledge of progressive and global experience, in numerous diverse management and leadership roles, especially within the healthcare industry.

Lastly, a little bit about my personal life. I’m originally from Puerto Rico. I’ve visited over 30 countries and enjoy traveling every year. Some of my favorite destinations include Thailand, Italy, Greece, and of course “anywhere warm with a beach”.

I have a son, Tiago, who attends Eudora Schools. We like to go shopping for cool shoes, playing Fortnite together and we both enjoy participating in sports like Jiu Jitsu and Soccer. I am excited for the opportunity to be part of a fantastic team, that truly cares for future of our students and I look forward continuing to serve the Eudora community in any way I can.

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.   

Richard Vetter

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.

Randy van Foeken

Information Technology, Washburn University Foundation

Eudora School’s 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.

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.

Heather Whalen

Board of Education Representative

Eudora Schools Parent

I grew up in a small town in western Kansas where the schools were the heart of the community.  I saw first hand how critical it is for a community to have a healthy, vibrant school system.  When my husband and I were looking to move to Eudora, one of the first things we noticed in many of the store windows around town were the Eudoras Schools Foundation red heart signs.  It was clear to see that Eudora was united around the importance of education.  We now have three children in the district who are greatly benefiting from that commitment to education by the community and the Eudora Schools Foundation.  

As an educator, I am continually impressed by the passion and innovation of our teaching staff and the administrators who work to support them and the students. I feel the work of the Eudora Schools Foundation plays a vital role in the continued success of our schools.  The impact the foundation makes is felt across the district both academically and socially.  It is an honor to be part of the Eudora Schools Foundation through the Board of Education, and to help bring support and enrichment to our amazing students and staff!

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".