OPEF Presents Check for $15,152.90
Pictured from L-R, Barb Woodruff, OPEF President, Lona Piber, Scott Bakkum, Eric Darnell and Katie Westerman, OPEF Board Member/Marketing and Communications Coordinator
After a year marked with challenges and cancellations, OPEF was honored to finally have an opportunity to formally present awards to our 2020-21 grant recipients at the July OASD school board meeting.
Congratulations to all of our 2020-21 Grant Recipients:

Eric Darnell and Kristine Chadwick from Nature Hill Intermediate for their project, "Inspiring Engineers for the Future"

Sara Pyka, Alyssa Schmitz and Lona Piber from Greenland Elementary for their project, "School Communication Boards"

Kristin Bunker from Meadow View Elementary for her project, Wildcat Gallery"

Krystal Nettesheim from Park Lawn Elementary for her project, "Felting Bookmarks"

Scott Bakkum from Oconomowoc High School for his project, "Building Bridges that Empower Students," awarded from the Mental Health and Substance Abuse Prevention Fund.
Welcome Back OASD Staff, Students and Families!


OPEF Board members VIcky Voelz and Katie Westerman had the privilege to present to all OASD staff at their annual staff breakfast held on August 23. We recognized our 2020-21 grant recipients, shared plans for the upcoming year and wished all staff a great year ahead!

Despite a difficult year, OPEF was able to provide over $15,000 in classroom grants and contribute to the purchase of hotspots for both students and staff during the Covid shutdown period. We are grateful to the continued support of our donors which directly benefits the learning needs of OASD students.
Thank you to all of our generous donors, sponsors and supporters!
OPEF Celebrating 15 Years in 2022
The Oconomowoc Public Education Foundation (OPEF) was established in 2007 as a means to allow education-minded citizens to support the Oconomowoc area public schools through private, tax-deductible contributions.

Our students and our future rely on the generosity of Oconomowoc area community members and businesses. Since 2007, OPEF has given over $500,000 for classroom grants. OPEF is dedicated to encouraging leadership, fostering excellence, and nurturing community in the Oconomowoc public schools.

We are excited for our upcoming 15th Anniversary in 2022 and look forward to celebrating with all of you and sharing our plans for the future! Please make sure to check future newsletters, the OPEF website and our Facebook page for upcoming events and information.

President's Message
The beginning of the school year is always an exciting time for us here at OPEF. It is a time for us to roll up our sleeves and get back to the important work of raising funds for innovative educational opportunities and experiences for OASD students. It is also a time for us to grow our board and create new connections within our community.

As you’ve probably seen, we like to introduce the community to our board members by posting a spotlight about them. Whether they’ve been involved with OPEF for many years, or just joined the board, we enjoy learning about their lives and what inspired them to get involved. The reasons are varied; they are an OASD graduate, their kids are currently attending, they are the proud parents of an OASD graduate, they are an educator, or a community member passionate about education.

Whatever the reason, we are grateful to have them on our board and we’d welcome your involvement too! If you’re looking to put your leadership skills to good use for the benefit of enhancing the educational experience, OPEF has the opportunity for you to give back to your community. Not quite sure? We’d love the chance to introduce you to our board members and tell you what we’re all about, just contact us at info@opef.info.  


Barb Woodruff
OPEF Board President
P.O. Box 444
Oconomowoc, Wisconsin 53066
Phone: 262-560-2178