FUSD Foundation

03/19/2026

Back to School Bags

The FUSD Foundation showed its unwavering commitment to supporting educators by gathering and donating 85 generously packed bags to new teachers and staff at the start of the school year. Each bag was filled with an assortment of essential supplies and delightful goodies, carefully curated to welcome incoming staff members and help them hit the ground running in their new roles. This heartfelt gesture reflected the Foundation’s dedication to fostering a strong, supported school community — ensuring that every new educator and staff member felt valued and appreciated from day one. The donation of 85 bags stands as a wonderful example of the FUSD Foundation’s ongoing mission to invest in the people who make a difference in students’ lives every single day.

03/16/2026

Check out this great article from the Arizona Daily Sun on one of the projects the Debbi Grogan Memorial Funded.

A Marshall Elementary School music teacher has a plan to bring a traveling theater program from Missoula, Montana, to Flagstaff, Arizona.

03/13/2026

This year, the Flagstaff Unified School District Foundation proudly supported the Debbi Grogan Memorial Fund awarded 12 grants across seven schools: Flagstaff High School, Marshall Elementary School, Thomas Elementary School, Puente de Hózhó, Mount Elden Middle School, Sinagua Middle School, and Coconino High School. Funding supported integrated technology in music classrooms, musical theatre productions, roll-up pianos, student mentoring in music, new instruments, and vibrant murals that celebrate the arts. Through these investments, the Foundation continues to honor Debbi Grogan’s legacy by ensuring students have access to high-quality, engaging music programs that inspire creativity, confidence, and connection.

03/11/2026

This winter break, the Flagstaff Unified School District worked to ensure that every child had access to reliable nutrition while school was out. Through a district wide initiative, volunteers and staff prepared bags containing 15 meals and snacks each, offering students a balanced mix of easy to eat and shelf stable options. These meal bags were designed to bridge the gap during the two week break, helping families maintain stability during a time when school meals are temporarily unavailable.

Thanks to the generous support of the FUSD Foundation, these meal bags were distributed to every school across the district, ensuring equitable access for all 500 participating students. The foundation’s sponsorship made it possible to gather food, organize packing events, and coordinate distribution efficiently. This community driven effort highlights the district’s commitment to student well being and demonstrates the powerful impact of local partnerships in meeting essential needs

03/09/2026

This year, the Flagstaff Unified School District Foundation proudly supported innovative teaching and learning through its Micro Grant program, awarding 16 grants across nine schools: District Wide – Preschool, Coconino High School, Marshall Elementary School, Puente de Hózhó, Mount Elden Middle School, Kinsey Elementary School, Sinagua Middle School, Leupp Public School, and Flagstaff High School. These grants empowered educators to bring creative ideas to life, funding projects such as gardening and outdoor learning spaces, The Hero Project supporting students in writing biographies for veterans, enhanced physical education activities, supplemental reading materials, and sensory tools with calming lighting to better support student well-being. Each grant reflects the Foundation’s commitment to enriching classroom experiences and expanding opportunities for students across the district.

03/04/2026

Ellen is our board member spotlight for the month of March!

Her work in Flagstaff is in the hospitality industry, and she serves on numerous leadership boards within the community including Wreaths Across America, Chamber of Commerce, Honor Flight, Snoop Dogg, Arizona Bowl, and our very own FUSDF. Things that make her happy are gardening, her son, family, and traveling. She loves being on our board to engage and be involved! Thank you, Ellen, for your service to our organization!

03/02/2026

Thank you to the Arizona Daily Sun for highlighting one of our Debbi Grogan Memorial recipients!

Bess Dougherty is receiving a grant that helps to provide all students with an inclusive musical experience.

02/25/2026

Please welcome our newest board member!

Christi Macias is a lifelong resident of Flagstaff, leaving only briefly to attend college. She graduated from Coconino High School before earning her bachelor’s degree from Arizona State University. She later returned to school at Northern Arizona University where she earned her master’s degree in 2022. Christi is currently employed by Northern Arizona Healthcare.

Christi and her husband, Tim, are raising their four children in Flagstaff, all of whom attend or have graduated from schools in the Flagstaff Unified School District. As both a parent and community member, Christi is passionate about public education and believes strong schools are the foundation of a thriving community. She is especially committed to supporting and advocating for students in special education, ensuring every child has access to the resources, support, and opportunities they need to succeed.

02/23/2026

We'd like to welcome our new board member Lynn!

Lynn Mavrek-Gurne relocated to Flagstaff in her early 1990s with her husband. She continued her education and attended NAU. She has been an employee of Flagstaff Unified School District for 31 years, beginning her career in CARE (now FACTS) and then as a para-professional at Mt. Elden Middle School, until she graduated from NAU with her degrees in Elementary and Special Education when she accepted her 1st teaching contract with the district. Lynn lives in Flagstaff with her husband David; her daughter, a graduate of Coconino High School, is currently a senior at University of California San Diego.

02/10/2026

Thank you to the Arizona Daily Sun for this article about the foundation and how we support our local teachers!

In the most recent round, FUSD Foundation awarded grants ranging from $400 to $750 to district teachers to support classroom projects.

02/03/2026

Welcome Cecily to our board!
I have lived in Arizona most of my life. I grew up between Scottsdale and the Grand Canyon. My Mother opened a gift store in the town of Tusayan in 1970 where all the family worked. I am a graduate of Arizona State with a bachelors in English Literature and a Masters in secondary education. I have been in and around flagstaff since I was five years old and 13 years ago I decided to move here and start the Toasted Owl. I am so happy to live here between the desert and mountains. I have a great amount of space to choose to be in the woods hiking or in the desert swimming! I have two children Alex and Sophie who both live in the valley. I have two goldendoodles that are truly my best friends. My pastimes are walking/hiking, reading, cooking, travel and shopping for vintage. You can find me most days at one of the Toasted Owls working and running around it truly is my passion!