ABOUT
Established in 1997 by community members of the Ripon Area School District, the Ripon Education Foundation serves as the non-profit fundraising organization for the Ripon Area School District. Gifts to the Foundation benefit and support Ripon Area School District students, teachers, and initiatives. The Ripon Education Foundation is an independent charitable organization and makes its own decisions based on its goals and bylaws. The Foundation is led by a volunteer Board of Directors. In accordance with the Foundation’s bylaws, the Board of Education has one non-voting representative. Additionally, the District’s superintendent of schools is a non-voting member and serves as board secretary.
our MISSION
To enrich learning for Ripon students, encourage excellence and innovation in learning, support postsecondary opportunities for graduates and strengthen the ties between the Ripon community and the Ripon Area School District.
Our Board of Directors
The Ripon Education Foundation Board of Directors consists of volunteer citizens of the Ripon area. Each member serves a three-year term and donates his/her time and energy to strengthen teaching and learning within the Ripon School District. The Board of Directors meets monthly.
Lyn McCarthy
President
Lyn McCarthy, a 1979 Ripon High graduate, spent much of her career with the Ripon College Office of Admission. In 2022, Lyn and her husband, Tim, moved back to Ripon. She supports students, teachers, and staff through the Ripon Education Foundation and is active with the South Woods Association, Ripon Library Association, and Ripon College Choral Union.
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Betsy Heffernan
Vice President
Betsy Heffernan, a 1986 Ripon High alumna, has over 30 years in communications and public relations. She works as Communications and Corporate Giving Manager for Alliance Laundry Systems. Betsy’s family roots with Ripon schools span generations. She is also active with the Ripon Community Hospital Community Council, Ripon Library Association and Ripon Rotary.
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Randy Roeper
Treasurer
Randy Roeper, a nonprofit sector professional with experience in healthcare and higher education, joined the Ripon Education Foundation to give back to the school system that educated his two sons. With a background in operations, finance, and customer relations, Randy plays an active role in supporting student and educator success in Ripon.
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Diane Shady
Secretary
Diane Shady was the first Human Resources Director at Ripon Printers (now Walsworth) and retired after 31 years. She holds a Bachelor’s in Retail Business and actively gives back through service clubs and nonprofits. Diane currently serves on the Ripon Community Hospital Auxiliary Board, is a member of Ripon Rotary, and chairs the Youth Exchange Program.
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Jeanne Williams
Past President
Jeanne F. Williams has over 50 years in education, teaching from preschool to graduate level. She began as a middle school English teacher and retired from Ripon College’s Educational Studies Department. Jeanne’s passion for expanding educational opportunities inspired her to join the Ripon Education Foundation.
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Cindy Cody
Community Engagement Chair
Cindy Cody holds a Bachelor’s in Economics and has over 25 years of marketing experience. She transitioned to working part-time at Bungalow Quilting in Ripon and providing formal dress alterations. Cindy joined the Ripon Education Foundation to support educational programs that enrich students' lives, continuing her long-standing dedication to the community.
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Ron Rivard
RASD Superintendent
(Ex Officio)
(Ex Officio)
Ron Rivard became Superintendent of the Ripon Area School District in July 2025, bringing 27 years of educational experience to the role. His background includes teaching and administrative roles at all levels, and he joined the Ripon Education Foundation to help support its mission of enriching the student experience.
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Deb Hilscher
Deb Hilscher, a 1980 Ripon High alumna, recently retired after 39 years as a middle school science teacher. Her family has deep ties to Ripon, with generations of alumni. Having experienced the impact of educational grants, Deb joined the Ripon Education Foundation to continue supporting the district. She also stays connected as a substitute teacher.
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Shawn Karsten
Shawn Karsten, a 2003 Ripon High alum, serves as Vice President for Advancement, Marketing, and Communications and Chief of Staff at Ripon College. In addition to his professional roles, Shawn serves on boards for Ripon Main Street, Inc., Ripon Rotary, and guest lectures at Fox Lake Prison.
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Denise Martinez
RASD School Board Rep (Ex Officio)
Denise Martinez, a Ripon alumna and lifelong educator, joined the board in 2025. Her career spans counseling and leadership roles at Ripon College, MPTC, and FVTC. A current RASD Board member, Denise is also a former Ripon employee, parent, and grandparent. She remains active in the community through various boards, youth sports, and the Denise and Curtis Martinez Scholarship.
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Lauren McConnell
Since moving to Ripon in 2019, Lauren has become an active community member, opening a small business and working at Ripon College. Previously, she worked as a Youth Librarian and in daycare settings. She has served on the Ripon Public Library Board, the Ripon Chamber of Commerce Board, and assists local businesses with marketing and branding.
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Sue O'Brien
Sue O’Brien worked at Ripon High School for over 23 years in various roles, retiring in 2023. Her passion for education led her to join the Ripon Education Foundation, where she continues making a positive impact on the district. Sue is committed to supporting students, teachers, and staff.
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Jean Rigden
Scholarship Awards Chair
Jean Rigden, Director of Teacher Education at Ripon College, has 33 years in education as a teacher, principal, and college instructor. She is deeply committed to supporting teachers and fostering educational growth in Ripon. Jean has two daughters who graduated from Lumen High School, furthering her personal and professional dedication to the community and education.
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Todd Sharp
Todd Sharp, a 1980 Ripon High alumnus, has spent his career in marketing and advertising. Joining the Ripon Education Foundation allows him to focus on new ways of giving back. Todd also serves as Vice President of Green Lake Greenways, a member of Ripon Rotary, and co-founder of the Green Lake 100 bike ride.
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Barb Splittgaber
Grants Committee Chair
Barb Splittgaber, a 1977 Ripon High alumna, spent 36 years teaching Kindergarten in Ripon and four more as a substitute teacher. Barb’s dedication to the Ripon Area School District inspired her to serve on the Ripon Education Foundation, driven by her commitment to supporting students and teachers in her beloved hometown.
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Connie Wuske
Connie Wuske worked in the Ripon School District’s Media Centers for 25 years, helping students and staff access resources. She is an active volunteer in local preschools and with her church and is proud to be back in Ripon, where she and her husband raised their daughters.
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