At a recent Florence Unified School District (FUSD) Governing Board meeting, the Florence Copper Community Foundation was recognized for its commitment to supporting both students and staff in the district. During the meeting, the Foundation presented a $2,000 grant to Florence Friends of Kids First to support the professional development of FUSD administrative staff. The funding will help staff attend conferences and training opportunities, providing access to the latest strategies, tools, and best practices in school administration, communications, and community engagement.
“Investing in professional development for school staff is an investment in the entire community,” said Sophie Dessart, President of the Florence Copper Community Foundation Board. “We are proud to support initiatives that equip staff with the skills and resources needed to foster collaboration, transparency, and engagement across our schools.”
On behalf of FUSD, staff members expressed their appreciation. “This generous investment allows us to strengthen our skills in effective communication, community engagement, and administrative leadership,” said Rita Ann Ezzai, FUSD Director of Public Relations and Community Engagement. “It ensures we can better serve students, parents, and staff while building meaningful connections with the broader Florence community.”
In addition to this professional development grant, Florence Copper was also recognized at the meeting for contributing $4,000 to support high school band and athletics programming, further demonstrating the project’s ongoing commitment to enriching student experiences and opportunities throughout the district.
By supporting both student programs and staff growth, Florence Copper and its Foundation are helping create a stronger, more connected community and fostering long-term impact for Florence students and families.
To learn more about FUSD, visit https://fusdaz.org/.
