young elementary age boy with backpack waiting to go into school

Education Council leads educational innovation and creates buzz after 10 years

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.

group of people at a meeting in a conference room

Legacy of learning: the Education Council's decade of strategic impact.

  • Strategic Evaluation and Recommendations: The council’s core mission is to assess K-12 student academic achievement and recommend strategic improvements to enhance educational success for all QC children.

  • Data-Driven Success: The Education Council harnesses data to identify challenges and drive academic success across the region. It uses a unique, bistate data sharing project called the Quad Cities Educational Data Exchange to track emerging patterns across our area’s school districts.

  • Visionary Leadership: After 10 years, this dedicated group has made a notable impact on the Quad Cities’ educational landscape. Its recommendations have pioneered innovative interventions and cultivated stronger partnerships that continue to make a lasting difference for our youngest Quad Citizens.

“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

headshot of businessman

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.

2013

Set 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.

2019

Launched 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.

Young man in a school reading with a student

2021

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 2023

Strengthened 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.

three elementary age boys wearing backpacks in a gym

Fall 2023

The people who help reach new educational milestones.

We’d like to thank all of our Education Council members. (Membership as of February 2024.)

  • 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.

—Pat Barnes, Global Social Responsibility Lead, Education & Equity, John Deere; Co-Chair of the Education Council
headshot of businessman
—Pat Barnes, Global Social Responsibility Lead, Education & Equity, John Deere; Co-Chair of the Education Council
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