GESF Board of Directors Spotlight - Pamela Coppola
Pamela is a MVP in the school district because she runs the copy center. When asked a few questions about herself she shared: I was invited to be on the Board by Tim Brady. I was honored that he asked me. Tim is an amazing person doing amazing things that I want to be a part of. My world is more than about me. If I can do good for others, I am happy person. I am new to the Board this year, so all I can say now is the Board is an incredible group of people wanting to help others. Letting people know that they don't have to struggle alone. There is always someone to lend a helping hand when life throws you a curve ball. We are all the best kind of people when we undersand that we are part of the HumanKIND. Guess what? — I am a Happy Face Freak. It’s kind of my trademark. :)
Leave a happy face to spread some kindness today! #HumanKIND #GESF #BeAmazing
GESF Board of Directors Spotlight - Wade McNaney
Wade grew up with deep Kansas roots and brings that hometown pride to everything he does. Wade shared the following: I teach math at GEHS along with coaching tennis. I was more than happy to beginworking with the Board when Tim Brady asked me about joining. I saw the impact the Foundation had in my previous district (Olathe) and had seen the things GESF was already doing. It is exciting to be a part of an organization that is making a difference in the lives of our students AND teachers on a regular basis. Gardner Edgerton is where my wife Jenne and I chose to live due to its community feel. We wanted to be a part of a 'hometown' feel and one of the biggest ways that community feel expands is when we take care of each other. Since we don't go to church in Gardner, we were excited to get to give our money to support the Foundation to build the community feel. Hearing the stories of impact on students and teachers. Hearing teachers at the high school comment about the appreciation for the support (financial) the Foundation provided their students, especially our SPED teachers. Continue to provided needed support for students/families/teachers in need. Lifting up others that need extra support at times is INCREDIBLY rewarding. I would love to see the TAL grant money awarded grow as well and more teachers working with the Foundation to provided excellent opportunities for our students both in and outside the classroom. As a hobby I help run a field trial (hunting) organization called Bird Hunters United and I enjoy woodworking, especially CNC projects with a router and laser. #TALGrants #GESFStrong #Community #Family #bettertoGEther
MaryAna Barnes attended school in USD 231. She returned to her roots by becoming a 2nd Grade teacher at Gardner Elementary. Mary Ana shared the following: I met Tim Brady at my summer golf course job before graduating college. I was enamored by his enthusiasm when he found out I was going to be a teacher. He guided me through a very long and complicated hiring season through multiple districts and I knew he would always be in my corner. So when he called me on a random Saturday morning, I definitely answered the phone. Much to my surprise he had called to share all the GOOD things our Foundation does and extended an invitation to serve as a member of the Board of Directors. I was moved by the impact it had and continues to have on our community so I accepted. I am so glad I answered that phone call! I choose to support the Foundation because of all the good we do for the students, staff and families in this community. Hearing stories of how the WE CARE fund helps families in this community is reason enough for me. The TAL (teaching and learning) grants have also directly impacted my students at GE and we continue to use the items we received through the grant, they are vital to student learning. There’s a lot of good you do hear about but there is also an equal amount that happens behind the scenes and I think that’s amazing. I enjoy serving on the Board of Directors mostly because of the support we provide to the students, staff and families of USD 231. I adore the lovely people that I get to serve with. Each person on the Board has a true want and desire to serve our district and community. You can feel it the second you meet them. We all come from different backgrounds but we come together with one goal in mind, it’s really great. Every meeting we have is centered on the excitement we have for serving the community. I also love being able to advocate for the Foundation with friends, family and colleagues. I hope the foundation continues to impact the schools in our community by providing support in times of need through the We CARE Fund, supporting our teachers through grants, and continuing to give scholarships to our seniors to continue their education. I hope people hear our name and think of the good we do! On a personal note - I absolutely LOVE the mountains. Give a 🍎 for our teachers who inspire! #TALGrants #PowerOfGiving #WECAREFund
GESF Board Member Spotlight - Brian Huff
As the PROUD Superintendent of USD 231, being a BOD member is part of my position but is also part of my passion. This is an important organization that gives back to our students and larger community. USD 231 and the greater Gardner Edgerton community is better because of the Foundation. I love seeing the joy on the faces of students and staff when they are directly supported by the money we can give away. I hope the Foundation can increase their footprint of influence by touching the lives of even more students and community members. And here’s a fun twist — I love working on old cars and camping with the family.
Comment 🚗 to thank our Superintendent for driving change! #LeadershipMatters #GESF
Dr. Boothe (Assistant Superintendent of Educational Services) shared the following: I was honored to be asked to particpate as an ex-officio member because of the work the Foundation does to support our students and staff. Seeing the work the board does translates into action that supports our school community. I really like how GESF supports students in need and teachers who want to stretch the opportunities students are exposed to in the classroom. Here’s a fun fact — I am a high school basketball official and serve on the national rules committee who sets the rules for the sport in all 50 states. Tag a sports fan who loves giving back! #TeamGESF #LeadershipInAction
GESF BOARD MEMBER SPOTLIGHT – Sara Wiehn
Sara shared the following: I'm a 6th grade teacher at TRMS. I have donated to the Foundation for the last few years and was excited to join the board. My principal suggested that I might be a good fit . I love supporting students and teachers in USD 231. I want to help the community to feel like they have a part in the schools and the success of the Foundation. I love being able to give back to the students and staff of the district, as well as the community. I hope the Foundation will be able to show the community the great things that can happen when we all work together to make the school district community a wonderful place. And here’s a fun twist — I'm an avid reader. I normally read over 100 books a year. I even listen to books while I run! #GiversAndLeaders #GESF #bettertoGEther
GESF Board Member Spotlight - Shane Brown (Business Owner, Parent, Alum)
Shane Brown grew up in Gardner and brings that hometown pride to everything he does. This is what Shane shared about himself: I’m an owner/ funeral director and embalmer at our family funeral home where I work with my mom Shirley and my brother Scott. Side note: they are alums of GEHS as well. I was asked by Tim Brady last year I feel that the Foundation is doing great work within the the district and the communities of Gardner and Edgerton. The positive impact we’re having on our community and the importance of being a good steward of the Foundation is why I'm honored to be part of GESF. Fun fact — When I was younger I participated in junior Olympics in Karate. The following year I qualified for AAU nationals where I finished second. Now I enjoy spending time with my family, trying to attend as many of my kids events that I can, and antiquing with my wife Tara.
Send a 🥋 if you respect dedication and community spirit! #GESF #Foundation #GivingBack #Hometown #1991Alum
GESF Board Member Spotlight - Laura Carpenter (Community Member/Parent)
Laura has been on the Board of Directors for four years. She works for the Richey Real Estate Group as the office manager/administrator. She and her husband Mike have a child at GEHS and one at PRMS. They have been married for 20 years. Laura joined the Board to have a bigger connection to the town and school district that she lives in. Laura wants to be a helping hand to those that need it and according to her, this Foundation is doing just that! She wants the Foundation to be known for providing a helping hand to everyone in our school community. In her spare time, Laura is becoming a plant person and is a huge KU fan. #RockChalk #GESF #Foundation #bettertoGEther
GESF Board Member Spotlight - Christian Smith (Community Member/Parent)
Christian Smith grew up in a small Kansas town. This is what Christian shared about himself: I'm a part-owner of four Firehouse Subs restaurants, where I work part-time. I also help with the financial side of my wife's business, Stepping Stone Animal Hospital. Together we have 3 kids in USD 231. I met with Tim Brady over the summer and was inspired to get involved with the Foundation. This is my first year participating. My family considers Gardner home, and we plan to raise our kids here from grade school through high school. Serving on the Foundation felt like the perfect way to give back and make a meaningful impact. I’ve really enjoyed getting to know the other members and value being part of a group that shares the same commitment to supporting our schools and community. Having the opportunity to support families and individuals in need is incredibly meaningful. I also believe that an actively involved Foundation helps strengthen community pride for everyone. And here’s a fun fact — While attending Kansas State University, Christian was a member of the track team. After college, Christian competed professionally for six years, with his greatest accomplishment being qualifying for the 2008 Olympics in the 800m, representing the United States of America.
Drop a 🏃 if you love the Olympics and running! #GESF #Foundation #CommunityStrong #PowerOfGiving
GESF Board Member Spotlight - Julie Dean (Treasurer)
Julie Dean grew up in the KC Metro. She is the Vice President at Mid America Bank who is a valued partner to the Foundation. She specializes in real estate lending. Julie loves that it is a fast-pace industry where every transaction is different. Julies shares, "When we opened our Gardner bank in 2019, I met the former USD 231 Finance Director, Jeremy McFadden, and joined the Board shortly thereafter. I love being able to help the staff and particularly the students. I hate to see or hear of students struggling with basic needs. It's easy to support the Foundation when they make such huge positive impacts. I love being a part of the group that directly impacts students. I also love that our We Care Fund has no "red-tape". The requests that come in are often urgent, and I love the fact that we can solve problems immediately without having to wait days or weeks to make an impact. I hope the Foundation will continue to provide aid for basic needs that some students don't have. I hope that students are aware of the work the Foundation does, and then grow up to realize how important it is to support groups like ours and continue to help others." And here’s a fun twist — she is a runner. She often bring her young daughter along and they chat the whole way!
Drop a 💙 if you believe in supporting students every step of the way! #WeCareFund #GESF #Foundation
GESF Board Member Spotlight - Dr. Amy Cain (College Professor/Community Member)
Amy Cain grew up in Kansasand has lived in Gardner for quite some time. She and her husband Daniel raised 2 sons that are graduates from USD 231. Amy is an Associate Professor at MidAmerica Nazarene University where she is the Department Chair of the Masters of Arts in Counseling. She has been teaching at MNU in both the counseling and traditional undergraduate psychology programs since 2011. Amy has been a licensed clinical professional counselor since 2008 and is an approved Clinical Supervisor for the State of Kansas. In addition to teaching full-time, she continues to have a small private practice along with providing post-graduate clinical supervision. Amy shared: I was motivated to get involved here after seeing the impact of another school district's Foundation on student wellness and faculty/staff morale. I am a product of public education. Education is such a gift and opens so many doors of opportunity. The issues facing students and educators continue to grow in complexity. The Foundation is able to help meet some very tangible needs to provide just a little bit of relief to support our public educational system here. What an opportunity to make a positive difference! Tim Brady is such a valuable resource to our school district and our community. It is such a privilege to experience his enthusiasm about HELPING others and spread the joy that you absorb just being around him! The more that we can support and encourage our teachers and staff, the more capacity they will have to do the job of educating and caring for the GE district students. Additionally we know that when students are cared for emotionally, physically, and socially, it sets the foundation for them to acquire knowledge, learn to think and be curious, and achieve excellence--I look forward to finding ways that the Foundation can continue to support students in these ways. In my spare time, I LOVE taking walks on the flat paths in Kansas and hiking anywhere the elevation exceeds 1000 ft (Colorado mountains are my favorites!).
Share some ❤️ for our educators who lift others up! #GESF #Foundation #MakingADifference
GESF Board Member Spotlight - Todd Adrian (President)
Todd grew up with deep Kansas roots and brings that hometown pride to everything he does. He is the COO and co-owner of Alverium Health, a Contract Biotech Organization. It is his passion to help students and finds serving on the GESF Board a rewarding way to continue serving others and making Gardner Edgerton schools a better place for everyone. He believes the people are the true strength of the Foundation. Finding ways to assist the teachers, administrators, students and families of Gardner Edgerton in ways the state and district typically cannot is an extremely valuable and rewarding. And here’s a fun twist — Along with being a multisport athlete in college and throughout life, Todd also play a number of instruments and actually built a "studio" in his basement. Thank you Todd for your leadership and passion.
Hit a 🎵 if you love music, education, and giving back! #GESF #Foundation #CommunityImpact
Everyone is welcome! See the attached program for details. In short, we'll start right at 10:00 a.m. in the south parking lot at Pioneer Ridge Middle School!
Kid focused. Staff supporters. Community oriented. Faithful stewards. This describes the 2025-26 Gardner Edgerton Schools Foundation Board of Directors. This dedicated group of leaders includes teachers, classified staff, administrators, alums, parents, & business leaders. #usd23ONE #bettertoGEther Follow on social @231Foundation (X, Twitter, Instagram)
You are invited to the Gardner Edgerton Schools Foundation All-You-Can-Eat Pancake Breakfast! Besides tasty pancakes, sausage and drinks will be provided.
📅 Saturday, October 11th
🕗 8:00 – 10:00 AM
📍 Gardner Edgerton High School Commons
🎟 $10 per person | Kids 5 & under eat free
👉 Prepay for tickets by scanning QR code or visit https://secure.qgiv.com/for/gardneredgertonschoolsfoundation/event/pancakebreakfast/
All proceeds go directly to the WE CARE Fund, which provides immediate financial assistance to USD 231 students and families facing unexpected hardships. From groceries and clothing to emergency needs, this fund is a vital safety net for our school community. By joining us, you are directly helping students and families when they need it most. Last school year the fund assisted families with rent, utilities, gasoline, school fees and much more. The fund also helped students and staff displaced from Aspen Place. We know students perform better at school when things are less stressful at home. Help alleviate strife for students in our schools so they can arrive focused and read to perform at their best.
If you can't attend the breakfast, go ahead and purchase a couple of tickets. Bless friends, neighbors, or colleagues with breakfast tickets . You know - it's nice to be nice to the nice. 🙂
Presenting sponsors: American Family Insurance (Tim Miller); Gardner Rotary Club. Become a table, event, or presenting sponsor by clicking here.
With our remarkable staff arriving this week and outstanding students the next, let's celebrate these bussinesses and organizations for supporting the Gardner Edgerton school district. How can YOU get connected? Follow us on social media @231foundation. Visit our website at https://www.usd231.com/o/foundation. Donate by scanning QR code. Contact Tim Brady at bradyt@usd231.com. #bettertoGEther
