Foundation for Dubuque Public Schools

• We are creating a permanent funding source for Dubuque public schools by raising an endowment through major and planned gifts.
• We work with businesses, foundations and private donors to build general, endowed and designated funds for educational programs in the district.
• We support the Dubuque Community School District's mission of developing world-class learners and citizens of character in a safe and inclusive learning community.

The family of Judi Chandlee, a longtime Dubuque Community School District teacher, has established an endowed fund in her memory with the Foundation for Dubuque Public Schools. This fund supports annual classroom grants to teachers across the district. In 2022 the FDPS was able to open two grant cycles for teacher grants, we received a record number of applications and awarded $19,548.15 in classroom grants to 54 teachers in 16 different buildings throughout the Dubuque Community School District (DCSD). Staff is able to purchase equipment, supplies, and/or innovative educational experiences to enhance the education in their classrooms.

The 2023 grant cycle is now open through July 17th at 8 am. Use the link below to learn more and to apply.

Judi Chandlee Tribute to Teacher Grant Application

Thank you to everyone that came out and joined us for our Annual Event. We had an amazing turn out and appreciate everyone who contributed to our $100,000 goal. We didn't quite reach our goal, but it isn't too late to make a difference. We will count any gift that comes in through May 14 towards our goal. Consider having an impact on our public schools and make a gift today!

The Foundation for Dubuque Public Schools (FDPS) is pleased to announce that Kristin Woodward-Vaassen is the recipient of the 2023 Distinguished Hometown Alumni Award. The award celebrates the achievements of local public school graduates and the positive impact they make in our community. Kristin was honored at the FDPS Enhancing Excellence Event on April 27. 

Kristin Vaassen’s passion to help people, animals, and the environment began in her hometown of Dubuque, IA. As a Lincoln Elementary, Washington Jr. High, and Senior High School student, Kristin was inspired to become a teacher. Motivated to make a difference, Kristin taught elementary students for over 20 years. Her zeal for making a positive impact in her community continued, and in 2005 she founded the nonprofit organization, Two by Two Character Development. By weaving character education throughout core academic instruction, Kristin's dream of helping children socially and emotionally has come true! The engaging, heartfelt program, Kindhearted Kids, has been provided in the Dubuque Community Schools for 18 years.

Thank you to everyone that participated in our “Dine Out/Take Out” for Public Schools event held on April 20, 2023.

Stay tuned for an updated total soon!

A huge THANK YOU to our participating restaurants and community members that participate in these events. Since 2017 we have raised approximately $48,000 to support a variety of projects and programs in the public schools!      "Alone we can do so little, together we can do so much." ~ Helen Keller

Check Out the Participating Restaurants

Below is a link to the 2022 Annual Update and videos that show the impact we are having on the public schools staff, students and families. Thank you to all of our donors who have invested in our students. Your gifts empower so many!

Read Our Update

Lauren Czeshinski, President
Katie Stork, Vice President
Mathew Langenberg, Treasurer

Zach Hodge, Immediate Past President
Tammy Duehr
Kevin Eipperle
Dawn McCoy
Derek Olberding
Maureen Quann
Whitney Sanger
Amy Schauer
Ulrike Schultz
Nan Welch
Josh Weidemann

Amy Unmacht (Ex Officio)