About Us

Our Story

"Bridging donors and students to enrich learning and impact lives"

SSPEF Mission

The South Saint Paul Educational Foundation was established in 1984 to support South Saint Paul Public Schools. We do this through:

Program funds awarded to provide exceptional educational opportunities for all students in South St. Paul Public Schools.
Scholarship assistance to graduating seniors to support the pursuit of their career goals.
The support of our alumni of our school district to help build a stronger Foundation.

New Mission and Cornerstones

Starting in January of 2024, we embarked on a process to help us re-identify our mission and what we are calling “Cornerstones” of the Foundation. With a generous grant from the Minnesota and Saint Paul Foundation, we were able to hire consultants to guide our board and staff through the process. The board of directors is honored to share our results with you!

Mission: Bridging students and donors to enrich learning and impact lives.

Cornerstones:

Visibility – We are intentionally and purposefully connected.

We act as representatives and promoters of the Foundation and SSP schools.
We positively impact our students and educators through the generosity of our donors.

Innovation – We find a way to make things possible.

We ask, why not?
We foster relationships with donors, the community, and potential partners.
We are diverse in thought, ideas and experiences.

Stewardship – We are stewards.

We are welcoming, philanthropic, and generous.
We invest in the future and maximize outcomes.
We are fiscally responsible.

Passion – We are change makers.

We eliminate student financial barriers.
We support opportunities and access for all learners.
We inspire people to support our work and growth.

Staff

Beth Skwira
Executive Director

Martha Davis

Office Manager

Teri Collins
Office Support

Board of Directors 2022-2023

President – Bryan Price
Vice President – Brenda Applequist
Treasurer – Glen Birnstengel
Secretary – Janelle Rose
Executive Director – Beth Skwira

Directors:

Holly Christensen
Linda Diaz
Kristi Hood
John Laliberte
Alison Nelson

Ex-Officio

Dr. Brian Zambreno, Superintendent
Wendy Felton, School Board Liaison

A HUGE thank you.

We are beyond grateful for the partnership and sponsorships from community businesses and organizations. Their support is critical to the sustainability of the Foundation. Due to their generous philanthropy over the years, we have been able to directly enhance the educational experience of thousands of our future leaders.

Past Board Members

The Foundation is grateful to our past board members.

Thank you to these individuals who gave countless hours, valuable advice, and heartfelt generosity through the past 40 years!

PAST BOARD MEMBERS

Brenda Apfelbacher, Keith Bares, Laurie Bauer, Beth Baumann, Gary Boche, Dr. Michael Bozivich, Sue Brezny, Nick Brezny, Adam Carter, Cheryl Carter, Rollin Crawford, Catherine Grimshaw, Tom Darden, Jane Dittberner, Krista Edsten, Kyle Edsten, Betty Eldridge, Dave Ericson, Shelly Forester, Kay Francis, LaVonne Francis, Mike Francis, Thomas Freeberg, Kathleen Gaylord, Barbara Gerten, Kelton Glewwe, Molly Glewwe, Dr. Steven Gorman, Jerry Gunderman, Robin Hagerty, Tim Johnson, Jeff Kandt, Richard Kasel, Diane Keehr, Jean LeVander King, Georgene Kolnberger, Mark Kronholm, Carl Lehmann, Michelle Lehmann, Julie Lenertz, Steve Lewandowski, Helen McDonough, John MacKany, Robert Meyer, Robert Milbert, Mary Molumby, Lee Nelson, Greg Niederkorn, Mary Niederkorn, Susan O’Brien, Jodee Paape, Larry Palodichuk, Rankin Patet, Pam Pavleck, Don Peacock, Ron Prill, Ken Rohlf, Melissa Rossow, Bruce Ruecker, Meghan Ruecker, Carmen Sanchez, Bette Schenian, Mike Schenian, Jill Simon, Mooreen Sonday, Tom Voigt, Rick Voigt, Janet Voight, Phil Voight, John Vujovich, Cari Vujovich, Dr. Dave Webb, Nancy Whiteside.

DECEASED BOARD MEMBERS

Robert Anderson, Jerry Arvidson, Brian Barenscheer, Margaret Batemen, Judith Belde, Al Bushman, Robert Carter Jr., Fran Delia, Vance Grannis Sr., Larry Gru, Margaret Hall, Stanley Kegler, Kenneth Manthey, Mary Jane Morin, Margaret Murr, John Lally, Iantha LeVander, Roland Olson, James Lindell, Bruce Gru, Bernard St. Peter, Kathy (Johnson) Smith, Milt McMorrow, James O’Leary, Tom Metzen, Janet Morgan, Thomas Ricker, Dale Schenian, Dr. Anton Spraitz, Calvin Sorensen, Ken Nelson, Keith Wells, Carrie Pietruszewski, John Wilke, Doug Woog.