About

The Foundation

We’re a team of passionate public school advocates. Our backgrounds span business, education & non-profits. Together we work hard for the students, teachers and staff that make up the community of Sheboygan. Together we hope to help create the highest quality programs and facilities right here in Sheboygan. 

Roxanne Pauls, Managing Director, has been a dedicated leader at the Sheboygan Public Education Foundation for more than 20 years. She brings extensive experience in business management, accounting, and customer relations, along with a deep passion for supporting students and educators. A tireless advocate for public education, Roxanne is also a proud graduate of North High School and the mother of two North High graduates, making her commitment to the Sheboygan Area School District both professional and personal.

Rayna Rokicki, Communications Director, is a former educator with 13 years of teaching experience in the Sheboygan Area School District and internationally in Nigeria and Myanmar. She also brings extensive experience as a podcast and YouTube producer, combining her strengths in education, communications, and organization to advance SPEF’s mission. Rayna is a proud North High School graduate and the parent of two students in the Sheboygan Area School District.

Laurie Van Veghel, Administrative Assistant, joined the SPEF staff in 2024 after serving on the Foundation’s Board of Directors for more than a decade. Known for her versatility and welcoming personality, Laurie keeps the office running smoothly while providing exceptional support to students, donors, volunteers, and staff. She is a proud North High School graduate and the mother of two North High graduates, reflecting her longstanding commitment to the Sheboygan Area School District.

Pictured from left to right: Rayna Rokicki, Laurie Van Veghel, Roxanne Pauls
$ 0

in SPEF grants given to enrich learning in Sheboygan over the past 23 years.

Vision

Our Great Vision & Mission

The Sheboygan Public Education Foundation, Inc. ( a 501 (c) 3 organization) will raise contributions to enhance our students’ educational opportunities by supporting high quality facilities and programs.

The Foundation will accomplish this mission by working cohesively with the community, to develop and amplify a revenue source that will enhance the amenities that are currently available to our children.

The Foundation will provide an opportunity for individuals in the Sheboygan area to give back to their community.

2026 SPEF Board and Volunteers from SPEF Scholarship Night. Pictured from left to right: Ryan Holzem, Roxanne Pauls, Rayna Rokicki, Anne Holzem, Jenn Scapellato, Larry Donoval, Laurie Van Veghel, Denise Wittstock, Jerry Jones, Chris Conway, Keith Conway.

Our Team

Since our founding we’ve distributed over $1.62 million of grants to the students, faculty and staff in Sheboygan public schools. Those dollars have covered new technologies, transformational experiences like field trips and spectacular facility additions + renovations ,Yoga Ball seating and piano replacements. We believe we’re just getting started!

 

Roxanne Pauls – Managing Director

Rayna Rokicki – Communications Director

Laurie Van Veghel – Assistant to the directors


Jerry Jones, President

Kurt J. Kober, Vice President

Anne Holzem, Treasurer       

Chris Conway

Larry Donoval

David Freitag 

Kris Fritz

Bill Sachse

Jennifer Scapellato

*Denise Wittstock – SASD School Board Rep (Non-Voting)

* Jake Konrath – SASD Superintendent (Non-Voting)

 

 

Mary Lynne Donohue

Abby Kiefer

Carol Kolzow

Maeve Quinn

Paula French

Whitney Viglietti

Jean Waibel

Donna Wendlandt

*Advisory/Non-voting

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