About

History

CRALC began in 2010, when a group of community partnerships came together to design a school to fit the increasing demand of students looking for an alternative educational experience.

From the beginning, CRALC was happy to faciliate the development of La Crosse Design Institute, a 6-8 project-based learning school located in Longfellow Middle School.

In 2019, the School District of La Crosse purchased a former bar in downtown La Crosse. The school, now rebranded as La Crosse Polytechnic, spans grades 6-12.

In 2021, CRVA joined the family when CRALC became its governance board.

CRALC Board Members

CRALC members come from a wide variety of professional and community organizations in the Coulee Region. Each member participates in at least one CRALC committee.

Anita Wood, President

ad hoc Strategy committee, Governance committee

Product Strategist

Optum Serve & independent consultant

Colin Klos, Past President

Finance committee

Architect

MBA Project Management, LLC

José Rubio-Zepeda

ad hoc Strategy committee, Development committee

Interim Director, Multicultural Student Services

University of Wisconsin - La Crosse

Jennifer Kosiak, Secretary

Academic Excellence committee

Professor of Mathematics

University of Wisconsin - La Crosse

Tyler Ludeking

Development committee

K-12 Relations Specialist

Western Technical College

Dave Foye

Evaluation committee

Consultant

Self

Micah Averbeck

ex officio

Principal

La Crosse Polytechnic and CRVA Schools

Nicole Van Ert

Development committee

Director, Center for Professional Learning and Development

Viterbo University

Linda Jerome