About Us

About Our Foundation

Although we work closely with the schools and district, we are an independent, 501 (c)(3) non-profit organization that provides grants directly to San Juan Unified teachers in grades K-12. We support innovative and inspired teaching to better prepare students for success. San Juan Unified teachers eager to challenge their students in creative ways can apply for grants: (1) Project Grants, (2) STAR Grants, and (3) Learning Experience Grants.

The Foundation also helps facilitate a multitude of scholarships programs for graduating seniors across the district. See our portfolio here.

EVENTS AND FUNDING

The San Juan Education Foundation raises money through our Evening with the STARS gala in the fall and as a beneficiary of the Fair Oaks Sun Run. During the fall gala, prominent alumni who have been successful in their chosen profession and who have given back to the community are inducted into the STARS Hall of Fame.

The Foundation receives funding from corporations, foundations, and individuals. District employees can contribute through our workplace giving campaign. The STARS Legacy Society enables school supporters to include the Foundation in their estate planning.

A copy of the San Juan Education Foundation's most current Form 990 tax filing is available at your request. 

Board of Directors

Our Board of Directors is comprised of dedicated community, business, and education leaders with the professional expertise, knowledge of our community’s resources, and creativity necessary for achieving our mission. Our Board is committed to the highest level of financial stewardship as we use our resources for maximum benefit directly to the schools and students we serve. Click here to see board responsibilities.

Matt Ceccato

Charles Cochran

Sherry Skelly Griffith

Sarah Grondin

Angileena Hayes

Brandon Ida, chair

Me’lisa James

Dr. Michael McKibbin, secretary

Johnny Perez

VERA VACCARO, vice chair

Jonathan Wesson

LAURA WILLIAMS, treasurer

baelee zeiher

Staff

COLLEEN CADWALLADER

Colleen Cadwallader joined the San Juan Education Foundation in July 2021 following the retirement of the Foundation’s first Executive Director, Pam Lapinski. With 30+ years of program and business management experience, Colleen is thrilled to bring her passion for public education, community impact, and service learning to the San Juan Education Foundation.

Prior to joining the San Juan Education Foundation, Colleen worked for the California State PTA as its Director of Grants and Program Development. In that role, Colleen managed large Foundation grants, collaborated with volunteers across the state, and oversaw the School Smarts Family Engagement Program.

Colleen also worked for the Sacramento Tree Foundation and local Girl Scout Council. As a parent of two kids who attend San Juan Unified Schools and a 20-year resident of Sacramento, Colleen is enthused about contributing her non-profit management, family engagement, and fundraising skills to building a stronger San Juan Unified School District.

About the San Juan Unified School District

Created in 1960 with the merger of six school districts, San Juan Unified School District has a rich tradition of helping students find academic success and achievement. The district serves a 75-square mile area covering the communities of Arden-Arcade, Carmichael, Citrus Heights, Fair Oaks, Gold River and Orangevale. Today San Juan Unified is the 11th largest school district in California with an expenditure budget of more than $387 million used to employ more than 5,000 individuals and to educate more than 46,000 students in early learning, TK-12 and adult programs.

Valuing diversity and excellence, the San Juan Unified School District’s mission is to educate and inspire each student to succeed and responsibly contribute to a radically evolving world by providing innovative, rigorous, student-focused instruction and programs in a safe, caring, and collaborative learning community.