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About Us

ABOUT US

Our Mission

Our mission is to enrich and enhance educational opportunities for student success in the Desert Sands Unified School District by securing funding and resources through strong community partnerships.

 

Our Vision

To bridge gaps, open doors, and create opportunities, ensuring every Desert Sands Unified School District student has the tools to thrive.

 

Our History

The Desert Sands Educational Foundation (DSEF) was first established in 1991 and later revitalized in March 2012, when it regained its tax-exempt status under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code (Tax ID# 33-0452541). Since then, the Foundation has been dedicated to providing financial, educational, and community resources to ensure that every student in the Desert Sands Unified School District (DSUSD) has access to the full benefits of an excellent education, opportunities that extend beyond what state funding alone can provide.

While its early efforts focused on bringing technology into classrooms across the five cities served by DSUSD, the Foundation’s work has since expanded to support all aspects of a high-quality education.

 

Fast Facts About DSUSD

DSUSD Community Report 2024-2025

Board Members

The Foundation is guided by an all-volunteer, working Board of Directors. While operating independently from the District, in 2019, the District created the position of Director of Community Engagement and Educational Foundation to serve under the Superintendent and act as a liaison between the District and the DSEF Board.

  • Lisa Bostjanick
    President
  • Stefan Pejovic
    Vice President
  • Brian McGuire
    Treasurer
  • Miriam Silva
    Secretary
  • Shawn Abramowitz
    Board Member
  • Nicole Aguirre
    Board Member
  • Sheri Hanes
    Board Member
  • Orli Presser
    Board Member
  • Ashley Schantz
    Board Member
  • Caroline Sofonio
    Board Member
  • Austin Wasserman
    Board Member
  • Francinni Zabata
    Director