BOARD OF
DIRECTORS
- Dr. Jennifer Johnson
- Dr. Carol Lippert
- John Dowd
- Obed Escobar
- Dr. Betsy Hargrove
- Jerome Parker
- Ric Pringle
- Dr. Mike Richardson
- Nedda Shafir
- Dan Steffen
“It is a privilege to serve and support schools through School Connect. Bringing all facets of the community together to help educators enrich the lives of children and open doors of opportunity is meaningful and important community-building. Please find a way to connect with us and join this effort.”
Dr. Jennifer Johnson, Retired Educator
“I serve on the School Connect Board because their core principles of service, community, faith, education, and collaboration mesh perfectly with my beliefs. I am privileged to support an organization that puts the needs of children at the front of every decision and action.”
Dr. Carol Lippert, Assistant Vice President for K-12 Outreach and Support,
Grand Canyon Education
“The stories that unfold through School Connect show what’s possible when communities come together. I’ve witnessed firsthand how this model works, as it transforms the lives of the people we care deeply about – the next generation. My goal is to give our youth the best future we can, which is why it’s such an honor to be a part of this movement.”
John Dowd, Community Partnerships & Outreach,
CORE Construction
“What we know is that love for children, schools and communities is not singular and being in a relationship with additional individuals is not exclusive. There is room for everyone at the table. The systems that School Connect has built offer an endless multiplier effect allowing these relationships to be nurtured and grow.”
Dr. Betsy Hargrove, Superintendent,
Avondale Elementart School District
“I have served with School Connect for the past 9 years because I believe that there is no greater investment that exists than the investment that is made into people. School Connect has taken that truth regarding investment and exemplified it beyond measure, by empowering the “village” to invest into the lives of our young people with diligence, consistency and love. I honestly can’t think of a better mission to join my life to.”
Jerome Parker, Community Pastor,
First Christian Church (FCC)
“Education is at its best when supported by the “three- legged stool” of educators, parents, and community. As a member of the board, my aim is to assist in setting School Connect policy and direction in its mission as catalyst and facilitator in bringing all three groups – school by school – into collaborative partnership.”
Ric Pringle, Retired,
Attorney at Law
“I’m thrilled to be part of the amazing and emerging story about students, schools, and communities flourishing as businesses, government, churches, and non-profits partner with our schools. School Connect has been the catalyst for me joining in this compelling story, and it can be yours too.”
Dr. Mike Richardson, Faculty,
College of Theology, Grand Canyon University
Principal for a Day
Love Our Schools Day
In the Classroom
Parent Connect
School Connect Summit
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News & Events

Love Our Schools Day 2023
This statewide event offers a project-based volunteer opportunity where communities can come together at a local school and roll up their sleeves to make a difference! Whether painting a classroom, planting a garden, or fixing a playground… you, your company, your colleagues, or your friends and family can get involved in ways that matter most to your community.
Join Our Village
Doing this alone is impossible; it takes all of us working together to make a difference.
Peoria Unified School District is gearing up for Love Our Schools Day and they are calling on you for support! Help out these participating schools by donating or volunteering to paint murals, build gardens and revamp their campus. Come on by and beautify their community and show some teacher appreciation!
Want to lend a helping hand? Check out these projects at the link in bio or email us at info@schoolconnectaz.org #SCloveourschools #schoolconnect #ittakesavillage

Peoria Unified School District is gearing up for Love Our Schools Day and they are calling on you for support! Help out these participating schools by donating or volunteering to paint murals, build gardens and revamp their campus. Come on by and beautify their community and show some teacher appreciation!
Want to lend a helping hand? Check out these projects at the link in bio or email us at info@schoolconnectaz.org #SCloveourschools #schoolconnect #ittakesavillage

Peoria Unified School District is gearing up for Love Our Schools Day and they are calling on you for support! Help out these participating schools by donating or volunteering to paint murals, build gardens and revamp their campus. Come on by and beautify their community and show some teacher appreciation!
Want to lend a helping hand? Check out these projects at the link in bio or email us at info@schoolconnectaz.org #SCloveourschools #schoolconnect #ittakesavillage

Our First Annual School Connect Bowling Tournament is quickly approaching! Take a look at our participating sponsors for this fun-filled event! #schoolconnect

🚨 You are invited to a night out filled with Mexican Food - Flowers and Friends! 🚨
🌮💐We have very limited seats for this Flower Power Experience being held on Wednesday, October 4, 2023 at 6:30pm. Join us in Barrio Queen`s private dining room at Desert Ridge. 💐🌮
👩🏫 Your ticket will not only support the mission of School Connect - but you will enjoy an authentic Mexican Fiesta followed by a fresh flower Bouquet Building Experience. Our Master Florist will teach you the secret to designing stunning bouquets with the freshest flowers.
🎟️ Gather up your friends to participate in this unique experience. Tickets are limited to this intimate experience - so don`t delay.
https://schoolconnectaz.org/event/flower-power/
