About

Mesa Public Schools Foundation

Schools and Community Working Together to Enhance Student Success.

Mesa Public Schools Foundation

Our History

The Mesa Public Schools Foundation (MPSF) is a 501(c)(3) organization founded in 1985 by Dr. James Zaharis. MPSF provides critical resources to students, teachers and families to further the development and welfare of children within the boundaries of Mesa Public Schools. MPSF leverages its financial strength to further equitable access to learning and foster growth, classroom innovation and ensure resources for student success.

Guiding Principles

Advance Access For All Students

Foster Innovation and Graduate Readiness

Celebrate and Support Staff Excellence

Strengthen Community Partnerships

Impact Report 2025-2026

Together we invest in our school communities, uplift staff, and expand opportunities for students across Mesa Public Schools District.
EDUCATOR GRANTS

$100,000

INVESTED

93

Teachers Awarded

45

Campuses Supported

22,714

Students Impacted

TEACHER & STAFF APPRECIATION

Partnerships across

schools
0
(schools who requested assistance)

Celebrated

teachers & staff
0

TRANSPORTATION TEAM SUPPORT

team members supported
0
team members supported Quarterly trainings
Quarterly trainings & appreciation

WELCOME TO SUMMER LUNCH

MPS employees served
0

Across

sites
0

LITERACY CHAMPIONS

books purchased
0 +
Classroom libraries & book vending machines

DIGITAL LITERACY

computers for ICAN after school program
0

DONORS CHOOSE PROJECTS

teachers supported
0
team members supported Quarterly trainings
students impacted
0

BISON SCHOLARSHIPS

students supported through the Bison Scholarship for trade and vocational schooling at EVIT, MCC and GCU.
0 +

STUDENT INTERNSHIPS

student interns supported
0
with gas cards and work boots

Mesa Public Schools Foundation

Staff and Board

Holly Williams, President

Dawn Giles, Vice President

Tawyna Collard, Secretary

Rudy Alvarado, Treasurer

Keith Burns

Tim Boyle

Andrea Dunlap

John Dowd

Vispi Karanjia

Jim Lamb

Kaila Lavin

Casandra McCray

Kurt Nyberg

Taylor Perkins

Jen Rehse

Susan Stephensen

Courtney Davis, Ex Officio

Keven T. Cook, Emeritus

Amy Marschel, Executive Director

Non-Discrimination Statement – Mesa Public Schools Foundation

Each event, program and endeavor operated, administered, or assisted by or through the Foundation, including without limitation all support services, financial and otherwise, shall make available to beneficiaries of any race, color, national origin, ethnicity, sex, sexual orientation, sexual identity, gender, gender identity, marital status, age and religion all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available.

No such event, program or endeavor shall discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, ethnicity, sex, sexual orientation, sexual identity, gender, gender identity, marital status, age and religion, in the administration of its benefits, policies and procedures.