Alton Educational Foundation

We enhance educational opportunities, support academic excellence and encourage student achievement in the Alton School District.

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What is the Alton Educational Foundation?

The Alton Educational Foundation, AEF, raises funds for innovative projects throughout the Alton School District. These funds are used to provide enhanced educational opportunitiessupports academic excellence, and encourage student achievement.

Currently, the Alton Educational Foundation Board of Directors is comprised of eleven local advocates for public education, including business owners, parents, teachers, retired educators, and district representatives. Over the past twenty years, volunteers have launched numerous fundraising efforts, including Redbird Raffles and memorial brick sales, and bench sales.

Mission Statement

The Alton Educational Foundation’s Mission is to raise funds for innovative projects that provide enhanced educational opportunities, support academic excellence and encourage student achievement throughout the Alton Community Unit School District.

Alton Education Foundation Video

Interested in learning more? Click the link to watch our video and see the impact of the work you make possible.

Who are the Board Members?

The Alton Educational Foundation, AEF, Board is currently comprised of ten local advocates for public education, including business owners, parents, teachers, retired educators, and district representatives. Are you interested in being a board member

Cathy Droste

Chairperson

Cathy Droste was born and raised in the Alton/Godfrey area. She is a 1980 graduate of Alton High School and earned her BS in Special Education and MS in Educational Administration from Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville. In 2018, Cathy retired from the Alton School District after 33 years in education. In addition to serving on the AEF Board, Cathy is a member of the Alton Community Service League, St. Mary’s School Board, and is active in the St. Mary’s Parish Community. Cathy and her husband, Mark, reside in Godfrey. They have two sons, Alex and Nick, a daughter-in-law, Nick’s wife Maddi, and one grandson, George.

Ann McLaughlin

Vice Chairperson

I am a 2020 retired Alton School District teacher, Literary Coach and Assistant Principal. I married my highschool sweetheart, Miles, and we are approaching our 40th wedding anniversary in June 2022! We have 3 daughters. I currently work part time in the College for Life Program at LCCC. I am also proud to work for my church, the Godfrey First United Methodist Church, as the Director of Children and Family Ministries.

Carrie Schildroth

Member

Carrie Schildroth was born and raised in the Alton/ Godfrey area. She and her husband Brian both proudly graduated from Alton High School as did their two daughters, Katherine and Rebecca. They currently live in Godfrey and are very active in the community. Carrie received her Bachelor’s and Master’s Degrees in Education from Greenville College. Carrie has taught at
most of the elementary schools in the Alton School District and since 2015 has been a Computer Literacy teacher at Alton Middle School. Carrie is an active member of the First Presbyterian Church in Alton, currently serving as an Elder. In 2021 Carrie was awarded the YWCA Women of Distinction
Award. Outside of work, Carrie enjoys spending time with her family, traveling, reading and
Blues Hockey! Carrie is very excited to join the AEF and serves as the recording secretary.

Teri Trapani

Treasurer

Bio Coming Soon!

Amanda Marko

Secretary

Bio Coming Soon!

Mirsad Kapetanovic

Member

I was born in the European country now known as Bosnia and Herzegovina. I graduated from the University of Zagreb in Croatia and earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Engineering before moving to the USA in December of 1996. I subsequently attended and graduated from Washington University in St. Louis with a Bachelor’s degree in Information Management in December of 2001. My wife Jennifer and I live in Alton, and we have one daughter, Nadja. I am employed by Nestle Purina Pet Food Company, located in St. Louis, as a senior mechanical designer. In our free time, we like spending time together, staying physically active, and encouraging our daughter to pursue her dreams. 

Vicki Maher

Member

Bio Coming Soon!

Kaylee Bowen

Member

Bio Coming Soon!

Stacey Noble-Loveland

Member

Bio Coming Soon!

Dan Ruppert

Member

Bio Coming Soon!

Phil Trapani

Member

Phil Trapani – Is a retired principal of Alton High School. He was responsible for planning and administrating the move from the old Alton High to the new Alton High School building. As Assistant Superintendent he was instrumental in the planning of combining two middle schools into the current Alton Middle School. After over 40 years of experience in education, in four communities, Phil and his wife, Teri, have made Alton their home.

Elaine Kane - Superintendent

Ex-Officio Member

Elaine Kane has extensive educational experience in the Alton School District, serving as a Reading Specialist, Literacy Coach, Curriculum Coordinator and currently Assistant Superintendent. She is a lifelong resident of Alton and a proud graduate of Alton High School. Elaine and her husband, Bob, also have four children representing AHS classes of 2017, 2019 and 2022. 

The Alton Educational Foundation has inspired Elaine as both a teacher and administrator in the district, and she is proud to serve on the AEF Board alongside the dedicated community members that help to fund innovation in our schools. 

Calendar (2024-2025)

  • Meetings: 1st Thursday of the month @ Johnson’s Corner
    • Meeting: September 5, 5:00 pm
    • Meeting: October 3, 5:00 pm
    • Meeting: November 7, 5:00 pm
  • Guardians of Education Recognition Event: TBA
  • Grant Application Due Date Mid March 2025 
  • Presentation of Grant Awards Mid April 2025
  • Brunjes Scholarship Due Date Mid March 2025
  • Brunjes Scholarship Award Date Mid April 2025

Newsletters

The Alton Educational Foundation publishes an annual newsletter to recognize the AEF’s efforts. Would you like to view a past newsletter? You can view them here: 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024