ABOUT US
Your donation, event support and volunteer work are vital to our mission.
The Aledo ISD Education Foundation was established by business, civic and community leaders to support the mission of the Aledo Independent School District by supporting innovative educational projects and activities that are beyond traditional funding and/or for which tax dollars cannot be expanded. Foundation funds will be used for educational enrichment programs such as innovative grants and programs to enhance student achievement, to recognize exemplary staff involvement and to foster community support and involvement.
OUR MISSION
The Aledo ISD Education Foundation partners with the community to provide private resources to enrich teaching, inspire learning, and maximize innovative opportunities for all students in the Aledo Independent School District.
WHO BENEFITS?
Students... as imaginations are sparked
Teachers... as creative ideas are encouraged and funded
Businesses... as an inspired workforce, ready to meet the future, is created
Communities... for the quality of life and economic growth directly related to the quality of education
THE FOUNDATION
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is an independent 501(c)(3) non-profit tax-exempt philanthropic organization governed by a volunteer board of directors made up of business, community, and educational leaders
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partners with parents, teachers, and community to enhance education in Aledo ISD
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fosters creative approaches to education through private grants and involvement
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works to increase private support for educational activities in Aledo ISD
Lauren Edwards,
AEF Board President
A WORD FROM OUR PRESIDENT
Dear Aledo,
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It is with great excitement and deep gratitude that I am stepping into the role of President of the Aledo Education Foundation. I am truly humbled by this opportunity and honored to serve such a remarkable community.
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Aledo holds a very special place in my heart. This is not just where I live—it’s where my two boys attend school, where my husband runs our family-owned business (Top Hat Landscaping), and where my passions are firmly planted. Our schools, our teachers, and our staff make this community extraordinary. In my opinion, Aledo has the very best educators and staff in the state of Texas, and I could not be more thankful to support them in this new role.
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I believe wholeheartedly that the Aledo Education Foundation is one of the most meaningful and impactful ways to give back to our district. By working hand in hand with our schools, the Foundation provides resources, encouragement, and opportunities that directly benefit both our teachers and our students. To me, there is no greater investment than helping those who shape the future of our children and community.
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I am excited about the year ahead and the chance to continue building on the incredible work already being done. Together, I know we can strengthen and expand the Foundation’s impact, ensuring that Aledo remains a place where students are inspired to learn, teachers are empowered to teach, and our entire community thrives.
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Thank you for trusting me with this responsibility. I look forward to working alongside all of you in support of our schools and the bright future of our Aledo Bearcats.
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With gratitude and excitement,
Lauren Edwards
President, Aledo Education Foundation
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
We are excited to welcome our new Board Members of 2025-2026 school year, whose terms officially began on September 1.Their dedication, professional knowledge, philanthropic mindset and passion for serving Aledo ISD will make a significant impact as we continue to support our teachers and Bearcat Students.
President
Lauren Edwards, Simpli.fi
President-Elect
Aaron Valencia, A-Game Agent
Past President
Jack Huxel, H3 Homes
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Secretary
Libby Marler, The Counseling Collective
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Vice President- Marketing
Jodi Outland, Outtle LLC
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Vice President- Legal Counsel
Troy Miller, KMFG
Vice President - Development
Slaten Gough, Gough Wealth Management
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Vice President - Events
Claire Hollek, Community Volunteer
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Vice President - Finance & Governance
Stefan Simpson, BentOak Capital
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Vice President - Programs
Paige Rice, Advance Catastrophe Technologies
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Vice President - Board at Large
Brooke Howerton, The Paisley Heart Boutique
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Directors​
Jimmie Busselman
Carma Chisam
Jeremy Cleverly
Brad Daniels
John David
Chase Dennis
Amanda Falconer
Brandi Fletcher
Jacqline Gaber
Erin Gillean
Rachel Gepfert
Hannah Hanover
Tabitha Hise
​Mark Z. Mourer
Blake Scott​​
Matt Sudderth
Kelly Stevens
​Jonathan Williams
Emily Winder
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ALEDO EDUCATION STAFF
Courtney Leaverton , Executive Director
Christine Cairns, Executive Assistant
Board Liaisons- Non-Voting Members
District Superintendent
Dr. Susan Bohn*
Aledo ISD School Board Trustee
Jeremy Pruett*
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*District liaisons communicate the educational needs of the district to the board. Liaisons and Strategic Partners attend AEF meetings, but do not serve on the board and do not vote.
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Strategic Partners
Aledo Children’s AdvoCats
Aledo ISD PTO
AEF has raised approx. $4 million to benefit Aledo ISD since 2013, including awarding over 615 Teacher Grants.
During the '23-'24 School year AEF gave over $230,000 back to the teachers and students of AISD.
AEF is dedicated to fostering community support and involvement in our district.
AEF inspires learning by funding more than 615 Innovative Teaching Grants and Championship Campus Grants.
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT THROUGH
