About Us

Our Story

For over 30 years, the Citrus County Education Foundation (CCEF) has quietly yet powerfully stood in the gap for students and educators across Citrus County. What began in 1988 as a small effort to address unmet needs in the school district has grown into a vital force, serving over 16,000 students and 2,500 school employees each year.

Our mission is simple but powerful: to provide resources that support the Citrus County School District and enhance the quality of education for present and future generations. Through innovative programs, meaningful partnerships, and community-driven support, we help students thrive, both in school and in life.

At first, the CCEF gave local donors a way to help where state funding fell short. Over time, that mission evolved into something bigger: a belief that when students are supported, learning can flourish. With a small but mighty team, an engaged board of directors, and over 600 dedicated volunteers, we now run 42 programs and events that go far beyond academics — supporting basic needs, emergency relief, and long-term student success.

COVID-19 was a turning point. We met families where they were, listened to their stories, and responded with care. That moment reshaped us into what we are today: a true community partner working to lift up entire families so that education never has to pause.

We’ve grown from raising $250,000 a year to over $2 million annually, all reinvested into our schools, our students, and our future. And the most powerful part? Families we once supported are now giving back, helping others in the same way.

At our core, we’re about connection, equity, and care. We believe in public education, in the power of community, and in the idea that a thriving student body builds a thriving Citrus County. And we’re just getting started.

Staff

Photo of Shaunda Burdette

Shaunda Burdette

Executive Director

352-726-1931, ext. 2240
burdettes@citrusschools.org

Portrait of Tiffani King

Tiffani King

Director of Student Programming

352-726-1931, ext. 4369
kingt@citrusschools.org

No Image Available

Erica Bonner

Director Of Finance & Operations

352-726- 4369 ex 4369 bonnere@citrusschools.org

Meg Vilardi

Program specialist

352-726-4369 ex 2240
vilardim@citrusschools.org

Josh Langston White

Program Specialist

Volunteer Board of Directors

Ted King

Ted King

President

Katie Myers

Katie Myers

Vice President

Amy McLaughin

Amy McLaughin

Treasurer

Lindsay Blair

Lindsay Blair

Secretary

Mike Baize

Mike Baize

Melissa Bowermaster

Melissa Bowermaster

Tracy Bryson

Tracy Bryson

Vandana Chandrupatla

Vandana Chandrupatla

Amy Crowell

Amy Crowell

Katie Damron

Katie Damron

Casey Damron

Casey Damron

Jim Engelage

Jim Engelage

Todd Frampton

Todd Frampton

Crystal Gibson

Crystal Gibson

Jen Grow

Jen Grow

Eric Head

Eric Head

Veronica Kampschorer

Veronica Kampschorer

Connie Lobel

Connie Lobel

Gene McGee

Gene McGee

Kristen Nippers

Kristen Nippers

Deb Reilly

Deb Reilly

Joseph Seigneurie

Joseph Seigneurie

David White

David White

Josh Williamson

Josh Williamson

Non-voting Members

Dr. Scott Hebert

Dr. Scott Hebert

Superintendent, Citrus County Schools

Thomas Kennedy

Thomas Kennedy

Citrus County School Board

Karen Lisa

Karen Lisa

Program Specialist, Citrus County Schools

Darrick Buettner

Darrick Buettner

Director of Special Academic Programming

Friends of the Foundation

Heather Al Amir

Heather Al Amir

Michael Barry

Michael Barry

Dawna Boley

Dawna Boley

Cregg Dalton

Cregg Dalton

Donna Fletcher

Donna Fletcher

Susan Frampton

Susan Frampton

Deb Gay

Deb Gay

Deborah Kamlot

Deborah Kamlot

Laura Lindeman

Laura Lindeman

Bobbie McCue

Bobbie McCue

Palak Patel

Palak Patel

Dr. Rushi Patel

Dr. Rushi Patel

Kathy Pomposelli

Kathy Pomposelli

Sue Pratt

Sue Pratt

Andy Smith

Andy Smith

Debbie Stanley

Debbie Stanley