"The Grand Island Education Foundation is blessed with a very supportive community that cares deeply about investing in our youth," said Traci Skalberg, the foundation's executive director. "Jane Richardson is not only committed to creating additional opportunities for current students, but as a graduate of the Grand Island Public Schools she has experienced firsthand the quality education provided in our community."

Richardson is employed as a collections attorney for Credit Management. She graduated from Grand Island Senior High School, the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and the UNL College of Law.

Prior to attending law school, she taught junior high and high school English for two years in Bridgeport.

Others serving on the Grand Island Education Foundation Board are Cathleen H. Allen, George Ayoub, Fredda Bartenbach, Patricia Brown, Lynn Cronk, Linna Dee Donaldson, Brad Fegley, Steve Gleason, Katie Goering, John M. Hoggatt, Ann Marsh, Clark Reese, Lynne Werner and Kahrhoff.

Ex-officio members are Superintendent Steve Joel, Bonnie Hinkle, Carol Bryant, Virgil Harden, Kent Mann, Kari Price and Skalberg.

The Grand Island Education Foundation is the tax-exempt organization that accepts gifts on behalf of the Grand Island Public Schools. Since the foundation's inception in 1983, its mission and goal are to enhance a tax-funded education by creating additional opportunities for students through philanthropic means.

Programs that fall under the foundation's enhancement umbrella include booster clubs, college scholarships for Grand Island Senior High School's top-rated students, renovation of the W.J. Arrasmith Planetarium, teacher and student recognition, alumni relations, the GISH Hall of Honor and the Classroom Mini-Grant Program.