The Sundale Foundation Board

The foundation’s seven-member board includes educators and community members who work hard to identify the needs of our community and make it a better place in which to live and learn.

Terri Rufert

Sundale Foundation President,

Sundale School Superintendent

Terri Rufert has been in the education field for 30 years; 23 of those have been as an administrator at Sundale School. She helped start the Foundation preschool because she knew the challenges that working mothers experience finding quality preschools, and she also was committed to providing a safe place for the community’s children to gather. For Terri, the most inspiring part of starting the preschool was seeing the wonderful things that can happen when people share the same vision.

Seth Brown

Sundale Foundation Vice President,

Cal Turf Owner

Seth Brown is a Tulare native and attended Sundale School from kindergarten through 8th grade. Presently, two of his children are students at Sundale and one is in the Foundation preschool. Being part of the Sundale community for the last 30 years and involved in community outreach as well, Seth is excited to see the positive changes and opportunities for students that he believes are direct result of the dedication of the Foundation’s volunteers.

Johanna Weerheim

Sundale Foundation Treasurer,

Tulare Community Church CFO

Johanna Weerheim helped organize the Sundale Foundation, and has been a continuous member and treasurer since its inception. She has also served on the Sundale school board for more than 20 years. Three of her children and five of her grandchildren have attended Sundale School. Her oldest granddaughter was in the first 4-year old class at the preschool, and she has two grandchildren in the preschool now. Through the Foundation, Johanna is committed to providing quality preschool and after-school programs and enrichment classes in a safe environment, making it possible for children to be their best.

Cindy Gist

Sundale Foundation Secretary,

Sundale School Principal

Cindy Gist has been the principal at Sundale School for 12 years and has worked in the district for 24. Her passion for children and teaching led her to become a member of the Foundation helping to start the preschool. Cindy firmly believes that making things easier for staff and parents to support their students will result in more positive experiences for all.

Wil Cushing

Sundale Foundation Board Member,

Project Manager & Business Analyst, World Wide Sires Ltd

Wil Cushing’s family has been part of the Sundale community for more than 30 years. His children have been on campus for almost 15 of those years, and all three of his children have graduated from Sundale. Joining the Sundale Foundation board 10 years ago, Wil is a co-founder of the campus Dad’s Club, and active in several groups on campus. As an active volunteer in several local organizations, he generously contributes his deep-rooted values and strengths in leadership, IT management and public service to bring positive change.

Darin Bawks

Sundale Foundation Board Member,

Central Valley Sweeping, Controller

Darin Bawks was a teacher and vice principal at Sundale School for five and eight years, respectively. All three of his sons have been or are students in the preschool and after-school programs. Darin, in his second year as a member of the Foundation board, believes that the staff and programs at Sundale provide many avenues of interest and paths for success that lead to a better community and futures for children.

Greg Fernandes

Sundale Foundation Board Member,

Dairyman/Farmer

Greg is a third-generation member of the local ag community. He, his eight siblings, and all four of his children attended Sundale School. With Sundale playing such a major role in the life of his family, it’s no surprise that when the foundation was first established, Greg signed on as member of the board. Greg is dedicated to the foundation’s mission of providing opportunities that contribute to the success of students and families within the Sundale community.