'I've always had this thing about caring for people. That's just how I'm wired,' says Dr. Marcus Funchess, who started as Palm Springs Unified School District's superintendent on July 1.
Building foundations for all facilities are now underway, with the campus support building scheduled to go vertical first.
The effort aims to nurture students through education, mentorship, and exposure to leaders and history to build self-esteem and prepare them as the next generation of leaders.
Dr. Marcus Funchess will begin July 1 following Dr. Tony Signoret's retirement at the end of this month.
Dr. Marcus Funchess, currently serves as assistant superintendent of human resources at the San Bernardino City Unified School District, will be considered for appointment at the June 10 board meeting.
In addition to the scholarships announced Wednesday, eight students received special recognition at the Do The Right Thing ceremony, including one from Raymond Cree Middle School.
The Board of Trustees approved Martinez Garcia's appointment with a 3-2 vote, with contract details to be finalized and presented for formal approval at a meeting on Friday.
The formal dedication honors not only Nancy Coffey, a graduate of the school, but her sister — also an alumna — and their parents. Several longtime friends and fellow alumni attended the ceremony.
The candidates discussed plans to enhance trust, boost enrollment and retention, secure financial stability, and promote collaboration, drawing on their prior experience.
So far, 32 people have expressed interest in filling the leadership role at Palm Springs Unified School District, with 12 filling out a formal application. More candidates are expected once an ideal candidate profile is released.
The search process will include focus groups, community forums in multiple languages, individual interviews with key stakeholders, and an online survey available in both English and Spanish.
The Spirit of the Sands Marching Band will join a select group of performers for Rome's flagship New Year's Day parade on Jan. 1, 2026. Students will also get to tour well-known sites.
