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MEET THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

The Belton Educational Foundation Executive Director, Sonja Abdelgawad

Sonja is an innovative educator and civic leader, who brings 20 years of experience working in education to the Foundation. Sonja holds undergraduate and master’s degrees from UMKC, and most recently earned an Education Specialist degree in Educational Leadership. Sonja has worked in the Belton School District since 2005. Throughout her career, she has served as teacher, parent educator, instructional coach and district curriculum facilitator. She has also served as a member of the Raymore City Council since 2012.

“Sonja brings with her not only a passion for supporting public education, but also has strength and experience as a community leader in Belton and surrounding areas”, said Foundation president, Joye Conklin. “Her dedication, enthusiasm and leadership are a great asset to the organization and the students of the Belton School District.”

“I look forward to the opportunity to blend my knowledge and passion for education with the joy of connecting with people in the community,” said Abdelgawad. “Supporting the teachers, students, and families in the Belton School District was an integral part of my work as an instructional coach and curriculum facilitator. As Executive Director of the Belton Educational Foundation, this opportunity increases exponentially. Working with the community, we will strengthen our progress toward the mission of the Foundation, to enrich educational opportunities and encourage innovation to maximize the learning potential for all students in the Belton School District.”

Read the latest information from our Executive Director here.  

BOARD OF TRUSTEES

Officers

President - Joel Houser

Joel has spent 20 plus years as a representative for families investments and foundations. He and wife, Jennifer, have spent the last 15 years focused on making a difference with youth as they believe the only real change is effected by the next generation.

Vice President - Fred Yonker

Fred is a Financial Advisor and Accredited Asset Management Specialist with Edward Jones Investments. He has a passion for community and long history of holding leadership positions in civic organizations around the City of Belton.

Treasurer - Nick Boeth

Nick is a 2010 Belton High School and Rockhurst University graduate. Working in public accounting as a CPA, he's made his way back to Belton to work in real estate. He enjoys being outdoors, giving back to the community, and spending time with family and friends.

Members

Charlotte Bradley

Charlotte Bradley is a long-time Belton resident and currently works for the Belton School District as a Learning Mentor. She joined the Belton Educational Foundation Board of Trustees in 2018.

Dennis Schnell

Dennis retired as a business manager from a manufacturing firm located in town in 2020.  He enjoys outdoor activities, yard work, and volunteering locally. He considers the opportunity to give back in support of Belton School District (graduated in 74) and particularly to the youth a special privilege.  

Dr. Andrew Underwood

Ex-Officio Member Dr. Andrew Underwood is the current Superintendent of the Belton School District #124. He has his Doctorate in Educational Leadership and has been in the field of education since 1996.

Dr. Bob Poisal

Ex-Officio Member Bob Poisal currently serves as the Assistant Superintendent, Finance & Support Services for Belton School District #124. He joined the Board of Trustees as an ex-officio member in 2018.

Joye Conklin

Joye Conklin is the President/CEO at R-G Federal Credit Union in Belton and a 1974 graduate of Belton High School. She joined the Board of Trustees in 2015.

Kathy Morton

A long-time Belton resident and community member, Kathy Morton joined the Belton Educational Foundation Board of Trustees in December 2018.

Kathy Muder

Long-time Belton resident and graduate, Kathy Muder joined the Foundation board in 2017. She taught for 40 years, retiring in 2017 from the Belton School District after 35 years. She serves now as a specialty substitute in the district.

Marsha Vest

Marsha joined the board in 2022. Retiring from a teaching career after 34 years in the classroom, education is a life-long passion of hers. Marsha is also a Belton High School alumni.

Mary Cummings - BSD School Board Rep

Mary currently serves on BSD #124 Board of Education. She joined the Foundation Board of Trustees as Liaison. She is a retired BSD #124 teacher and is very involved in the community of Belton boards and commissions. 

Michelle Wilson

Michelle is a 1997 graduate of Belton High School. She has enjoyed serving the community preiously with Belton CARES and You Matter Belton. 

RJ Warren

RJ Warren is a long time Belton resident and is currently an HCM Advisor for The Payroll Company. He is involved in the community as a member of the Belton Planning Commission. RJ has two kids in the Belton School District and has a passion for education!

Stephanie Davidson

Stephanie is Director of a local product development unit at InComm Payments, a company based in Atlanta, Georgia. She's a Belton native, prior Belton City Council member (2018-21) and longtime community volunteer.

Tom O'Connor

Tom has been a long-time figure in the Belton business community -- Tom's passion is connecting people and serving. Tom brings leadership experience from serving on several other community boards.

Vickie Peters

Vickie Peters is a long-time Belton resident and a Belton graduate. She brings 35+ years of corporate pharmaceutical experience and has a passion to empower our students, educators, and community.