Board of directors

Jamie Cranston, President

My husband, Jeremy, and I live south of Fairfield and are recently new to the community. Our daughter attends Fairfield Schools. I have enjoyed being a part of such a great foundation that is able to give so much back to the local schools. Fairfield teachers and staff are working incredibly hard to help our students become the best citizens. I enjoy being able to be a part of a group that recognizes the hard work of our local educators. Thank you Fairfield CSD.

Melanie Carlson, Vice President

I decided I wanted to be an engineer at an early age. Raised in a small community, I had to work to shape my education to fit my goals. Now, as a parent of three in the Fairfield CSD, and a member of the Career and Technical Education Advisory Group within FHS, I am excited to bring my passion for STEAM to the Fairfield Education Foundation. Jefferson County has been my home for nearly 20 years, and I recognize the symbiotic relationship between the success of a school and the success of a community. The Fairfield Education Foundation is a valued player in that success and I’m grateful to be part of the Board.

Abby Lynn, Secretary

My husband, Eli, and I have two boys entering the Fairfield School District. As someone who works in education, I understand the unique challenges the educators in our district face. I am excited for the opportunity to support educators through the work of the foundation.

Frank Broz, Treasurer Graduate of FHS

I graduated from FHS in 1999 having had both of my parents as teachers in the district. I served on the FCSD Board of Directors from 2017-2021, and again briefly in 2023 to fill a vacancy. I am a member of the governing board of the after-school program in our district, and assisted with a successful grant application that will fund the program through 2029. The Fairfield Community School District is full of exciting ideas and projects, and I am excited to help make them a reality through this foundation.

Morae Metcalf

My husband, Karl, and I have two young boys who have just entered the Fairfield School Community School District. In my role on this foundation, I look forward to the opportunity to support and share in the successes of the students and educators in our district.

Warren Schaefer

I moved to Fairfield in 2004 from the Chicagoland area to raise my children in a small-town environment. From 2015 to 2019, I served as a member and later as President of the FCSD Board, during which I also spent a year as an ex-officio member of the Foundation Board. I’m excited to join this important foundation and look forward to supporting the district’s goals. As a member, I’m committed to collaborating with the school board to initiate and sustain programs that enhance educational opportunities for our students.

Carrie Lathrop Graduate of FHS

My husband and I grew up in the area and graduated from Fairfield High School. We moved back to Fairfield approximately 10 years ago, and our three kids currently attend Pence Elementary. I have a vested interest in supporting our school district and educators, both so that our children continue to have access to a high quality education, and so that our community continues to grow and thrive. I am honored to be part of an organization that supports these objectives and can make a difference!

Elizabeth Eland

My Husband, Rick, and I have lived in Fairfield for the last 13 years and have 2 daughters that have been in the Fairfield School District since Kindergarten. As a home health nurse I understand the importance of community and with that I look forward to being a part of this foundation to help support our educators and students.

Vicki Eastburn

As a former classroom educator, I know first-hand how much teachers use their own resources to provide items in the classroom which enhance the learning experience for their students. I’m so honored and excited to be a part of this Education Foundation Board which helps to support the needs of our teachers and students! Supporting our school district is not only important, but necessary. In a world full of negativity, I look forward to being involved with a group that is POSITIVELY making a difference in our FCSD!

Jeff Ring Graduate of FHS

is a Buyer at Dexter Laundry and an active member of the Fairfield community. He has held positions with Cambridge Investment Group, MarathonFoto/Event Photography Group (Chappell Studios), and Books Are Fun. A proud parent with deep ties to local schools, Jeff’s daughter graduated from Fairfield High School in 2015, and his son currently attends Fairfield Middle School. He has served on the Little League Board, coaches youth sports, and is a current member of the Fairfield Chamber of Commerce Board. Jeff looks forward to supporting the Education Foundation’s mission and contributing to the success of local students.

Lasandra Smith

Hi, my name is Lasandra Smith. I am a Customer Service Manager at Agri-Industrial Plastics Company here in Fairfield. My husband (Terry Smith) is an officer at the Fairfield Police Department, I have 3 boys and 2 bonus daughters. I am a lifelong resident of Fairfield and am passionate about supporting local growth and educational opportunities. Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with family and friends, reading, and developing my little side business.

ExOfficio Officers

Zach Wigle, Superintendent

Morgan Miller, Teacher Representative

Serving as an educator representative on the Education Foundation is a privilege and honor. Growing up in Fairfield, graduating from FHS, and then returning to raise our family in Fairfield; it obviously holds a special place in my heart. With gaps in funding and budgets having to be cut, the Education Foundation plays a vital role in helping educators serve their students to keep current with research based practices while also doing what is best for our students in FCSD. I will also encourage staff members to apply for grants and help them with the process should questions arise. Here’s to making FCSD shine! Go Trojans!

Lucas Helling, Legal Counsel Representative

In his spare time, Lucas enjoys spending time with his wife Emily, traveling, golfing, and cheering for the Iowa Hawkeyes.