About Us
Investing in Educational Excellence
Our Purpose
Education Ignites Opportunity: The Rush City Education Foundation (RCEF) partners with the Rush City Public Schools community to ignite curiosity, creativity, and a passion for learning. Since 2013, RCEF has awarded nearly $170,000 to fuel the dreams and efforts of students, teachers, and staff.
RCEF operates independently from the Rush City School District, with its own officers, Board of Directors, and bylaws. We work in close partnership with the district and the broader community to leverage time, talent, and financial resources in support of student success. Our funding does not replace district responsibilities but is intended to supplement and enhance what public funding provides.
Because the Rush City Education Foundation is a nonprofit 501(c) 3 charitable organization, donations to the foundation are tax deductible.
$166,451 Raised
Financial Impact
Our Work
The Rush City Education Foundation raises funds to enrich education across our community. We award grants to Rush City teachers and staff for innovative classroom projects and provide scholarships that help local students pursue higher education.
Through long-term charitable giving and the establishment of endowed funds, we offer meaningful ways to honor, memorialize, or celebrate individuals, families, businesses, and causes. By carefully investing and managing these funds, we ensure they make a lasting and growing impact on Rush City Schools for generations to come.
Rush City Board of Directors
Vern Koepp
President
With 38 years of service to Rush City Schools, as a teacher, coach, principal, and superintendent, Vern continues his interest in children as president of the RCEF. His three children grew up in Rush City and graduated from RCHS.
Holly Schelbach
Vice President
Holly, a former teacher with a Master’s Degree in Elementary Education, currently serves as Vice President of the Rush City Education Foundation. She and her husband own several small businesses in Rush City, and she also serves as Executive Director of the Rush City Area Chamber of Commerce.
Judy Armstrong
Secretary
Judy has been a dedicated member of the RCEF board since 2018 and currently serves as Secretary. She brings experience in office admin and spent time as a Paraprofessional at C.E. Jacobson Elementary. Judy is passionate about giving back to Rush City through volunteer work and strong community connections.
Kristin Papke
Treasurer
Kristin has served on the RCEF board since 2017 and is currently its Treasurer. She works as Office Manager at Hallberg Engineering and serves as Clerk on the Rush City School Board through 2028. As an alumni of Rush City Schools, parent of two that have now also graduated from Rush City, the foundation is a great way to continue to provide opportunities and resources for both staff and students.
Dennis Pederson
Scholarship Chair
Dennis has been active as a scout leader for over 50 years and a member of the Rush City Dollars for Scholars and RCEF for 47 years. He is a lifetime member of the American Legion and currently commander of Post 93 in Rush City.
Elizabeth Herberg
Marketing Communications
With 40 years of marketing for both high tech and non-profit organizations, Elizabeth contributes to RCEF’s communications efforts. Her family has lived in Rush City for more than 30 years, and all three of her daughters proudly started and graduated as Tigers.
Brent Stavig
Ex-Officio Director
Brent Stavig is an ex-officio member of the RCEF board and currently serves as Superintendent of Rush City Schools, a role he began in July 2020 after serving as the Principal starting in 2012. He also has work experience in mechanical operations. He holds Technology Education degrees from St. Cloud State and an administrative license from St. Mary’s University.
Open Position
Fundraising Chair
Open Position
Grant Chair
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KEY PROGRAMS
Grants
Scholarships
Events
Rush City Education Foundation hosts events that bring the community together to celebrate learning, support students and educators, and raise vital funds for our scholarship and grant programs. These events strengthen community connections and inspire continued investment in lifelong learning, helping ignite opportunities in Rush City classrooms—and beyond.