Use of arrow keys when focused on the Google language option field will translate site content on the fly. Use your enter key to review all options and choose your selection before applying.
The Oconomowoc Public Education Foundation (OPEF) is an independent, non-profit partner of the Oconomowoc Area School District. In its 16 years, OPEF has raised and given more than $500,000 to the OASD! Gifts from the community…to the schools…for the future!
Our Vision
OPEF will inspire creativity and excellence in Oconomowoc public schools and make them a fountain of personal growth for the well-being of our local and global communities.
Our Mission
As a collaborative partner, OPEF will raise and provide funds for innovative educational opportunities and experiences not funded in the core school district budget. OPEF-supported projects will positively impact students and the community by:
Encouraging leadership
Fostering excellence
Nurturing a sense of belonging through our public schools
Who We Are
OPEF was born in 2007 when a small group of alumni planned a tribute to retiring Oconomowoc High School drama and speech teacher, Vic Passante. More than 300 people contributed and the group ultimately raised more than $63,000 for enhancements for a new high school auditorium. From there, through the leadership of Craig Schiefelbein and initial directors Maribeth Bush, Michael Herro and Donna Scholl, OPEF became a reality.
Now, OPEF is led by a volunteer Board of Directors that consults with, but operates independently from, the Oconomowoc Area School District. OPEF’s Board of Directors is continually exploring ways to improve the OASD student experience by funding programs and equipment that further OPEF’s vision and mission of encouraging leadership, fostering excellence, and nurturing community in the Oconomowoc public schools.
What We Do
OPEF is a non-profit that operates independently from the OASD. It provides funding, through grants, for innovative curriculum, needed equipment and facility improvements, and creative programming that is not funded through the district’s core budget.
In 2023, OPEF awarded $35,000 in grants:
$15,000 to the Oconomowoc Arts Center to purchase a new, state-of-the-art sound board
$15,000 to The Oasis Project to expand its provision of tutoring services by licensed teachers to elementary students throughout the district
$1,000 to Park Lawn Elementary for sensory equipment for the special education program
$4,000 to the Oconomowoc Arts Center’s inclusive Hocus Focus artist in residence program that will bring the healing power of the arts to students with disabilities and students who have endured trauma
We believe that it is essential that we be responsible stewards of our financial resources to build and maintain a successful organization.
We believe that schools are a critical anchor around which members of the community congregate and connect, and our programs should nurture those points of connection and that sense of belonging.
We cannot be successful without community involvement, so we will strive to involve community members in various ways.
We are an inclusive organization that respects different points of view and encourages input from various individuals and groups.
We believe that creating partnerships and collaborating with individuals, community organizations, and public agencies will lead to success for all those involved.
We believe in accountability and will require grantees to evaluate funded programs to determine their success and effectiveness.
We will seek to inspire trust and confidence in everything we do through transparent administration and decision-making.
We are not a political advocacy group, so the OPEF will remain neutral in public elections and political issues.
Board of Directors
President: Jackie Nuckels
Vice President: Open
Treasurer: Open
Secretary: Jennifer Leinen
Directors: Amy Carriveau Scott Drummond Angela Duffy Jacque English Jann Fujimoto Brandon Littleton Kelsey Pearson Katie Slipper Rachel Staut
Become A Board Member
Join Us!
OPEF is always seeking board members who want to work to improve the OASD student experience. Apply today!
Return completed applications to OPEF President, Jackie Nuckels.