A longstanding partnership has been gaining a bit of buzz lately.
Last fall marked the 10th anniversary of our Education Council. We wanted to show some love to these changemakers who have worked tirelessly alongside us to lay the groundwork for continued educational success for over 19,000 students last year alone.
Made up of superintendents, business leaders, skilled trades representatives and funders from Scott and Rock Island Counties, this dynamic council serves as a unique regional asset, fostering cross-sector partnerships.
Legacy of learning: the Education Council's decade of strategic impact.
“By recognizing the importance of education as a cornerstone for progress, we stand united, ensuring that every child has the opportunity to thrive.”
—Pat Barnes, Global Social Responsibility Lead, Education & Equity, John Deere; Vice Chair of the Education Council
Celebrating ten years of educational achievements.
Launched Quad Cities Educational Data Exchange in collaboration with St. Ambrose University, a pivotal tool to track student achievement trends and inform our 10-year goals.
2013Set a “North Star” goal to address resource gaps in Title I eligible public schools, and initiate a community school model at Madison Elementary in Davenport. The community school partnership is supported by seed funding from United Way’s African American Leadership Society and Hubbell-Waterman Foundation.
2019Launched our Read United program in over 25 elementary schools in response to COVID-19’s impact on learning. The program helped improve third-grade literacy, contributing to a 13% increase in the first year through one-on-one reading sessions.
Expanded the community school concept with United for Schools at Washington Elementary in Moline, with a goal to scale across the Quad Cities to six schools and 2,100 students in the next three years.
Spring 2023Strengthened strategic partnerships within schools to leverage community organizations and businesses, collaborate with parents, educators, and leaders to help students overcome obstacles and succeed in school and life.
The people who help reach new educational milestones.
We’d like to thank all of our Education Council members. (Membership as of June 2025.)
- Pat Barnes
John Deere Foundation (Co-Chair) - Kristin Humphries
Superintendent, East Moline School District (Co-Chair) - Audrey Adamson
Western Illinois University Quad Cities - Susan Blaskovich
Women United, IMEG Corp. - Lynne Devaney
Diocese of Davenport - Dr. Naomi Dewinter
Eastern Iowa Community College Muscatine - Julia Hensch
MercyOne Genesis - Ann Lawler
Scott Community College - Chuck McKnight
UA Local 25 Plumbers & Pipefitters - Dr. Matthew Mendenhall
Regional Development Authority - Col. Daniel Mitchell
Rock Island Arsenal - Dr. Jay Morrow
Superintendent, United Township School District - Dr. Michelle Morse
Superintendent, Bettendorf School District - Amy Nimmer
Philanthropist, Ret. John Deere Foundation - Laura O’Brien
ASC – Army Sustainment Command - John Riches
Arconic Foundation - Joseph Roidt
St. Ambrose University - Dr. Rachel Savage
Superintendent, Moline-Coal Valley School District - TJ Schneckloth
Superintendent, Davenport Community School District - Michael Schroeder
Augustana College - Brian Strusz
Superintendent, Pleasant Valley School District - Joe Stutting
Superintendent, North Scott School District - Dr. Jeremy Thomas
Black Hawk College - Kelly Thompson
Quad Cities Community Foundation - Sharon Williams
Superintendent, Rock Island / Milan School District
- Pat Barnes
John Deere Foundation (Vice Chair) - Susan Blaskovich
Women United, IMEG Corp. - Julia Hensch
UnityPoint Health System - Kristin Humphries
Superintendent, East Moline School District (Chair) - Chuck McKnight
Local Union 25 - Matt Mendenhall
Regional Development Authority - Kristi Mindrup
Western Illinois University - Col. Daniel Mitchell
Rock Island Arsenal - Jay Morrow
Superintendent, United Township School District - Michelle Morse
Superintendent, Bettendorf School District - Amy Nimmer
Philanthropist, Ret. John Deere Foundation - Laura O’Brien
Rock Island Arsenal - John Riches
Arconic Foundation - Joseph Roidt
St. Ambrose University - Rachel Savage
Superintendent, Moline-Coal Valley School District - TJ Schneckloth
Superintendent, Davenport Community School District - Michael Schroeder
Augustana College - Brian Strusz
Superintendent, Pleasant Valley School District - Joe Stutting
Superintendent, North Scott School District - Jeremy Thomas
Black Hawk College - Kelly Thompson
Quad Cities Community Foundation
Learn more about United Way’s education programs and initiatives or invest today to make an impact in the lives of QC kids.
By recognizing the importance of education as a cornerstone for progress, we stand united, ensuring that every child has the opportunity to thrive.
