Palm Springs Unified School District stands at a critical juncture. The district, which prides itself on being a forward-thinking district that proudly celebrates diversity, is facing a profound youth mental health crisis. Recent data shows one in four children in the Coachella Valley has a diagnosed mental health disorder. For LGBTQ+ youth, the challenge is even more acute, with 35% in California having seriously considered suicide in the past year.
Stepping into this challenge is Dr. Marcus Funchess, a 30-year education veteran and the first Black superintendent in PSUSD history.
Known as a “system builder” and defined by his core values of equity, trust, transparency, and community collaboration, Dr. Funchess has a distinct vision. It’s a vision signaled by his deliberate choice to call all students “scholars”—a term he uses to frame them in a context of dignity, and respect.
Dr. Funchess inherits strong, inclusive policies but also the complex task of translating those policies into the lived reality of every student. How will his listen-first approach address the gap between the district’s stated ideals and the urgent, on-the-ground needs of its students?
We sat down with Dr. Funchess during his first 100 days to discuss his journey to Palm Springs, his plan to tackle the mental health crisis, and his personal commitment to making every single scholar feel safe, supported and valued.
Matthew: Dr. Funchess, you’ve dedicated three decades to public education, mainly within San Bernardino City Unified School District. Could you share a bit about your professional journey and what specifically drew you to Palm Springs Unified at this point in your career?
Dr. Funchess: “After 30 years in education, rising from a substitute teacher to an assistant superintendent, my core lesson has been that you achieve great outcomes for students by valuing people and unlocking their potential. That’s my focus.
I’m not one to just jump from district to district—I was with my last one for 27 years. But when I did my homework on Palm Springs Unified, I was captivated by its mission. I was specifically attracted to this district’s unapologetic focus on diversity, inclusion, and equity for all scholars. I truly felt I could help realize that vision, and I’m all in to do great things here.”
Matthew: I found out that you call every student a scholar, why is that?
Dr. Funchess: “What we call our young people is very important. I want our scholars to think of themselves more highly and understand the brilliance they have.
That term, ‘scholar,’ is near and dear to me because I want them to see themselves as more than enough. When I say it, I mean it: You are a scholar, you are smart, you are intelligent, and you are full of greatness.”
Matthew: PSUSD was recently recognized by Equality California, ranking in the top tier of districts for its support of LGBTQ+ students. How do you plan to build on that success and continue to champion these initiatives moving forward?
Dr. Funchess: “My plan is threefold. First, we must protect the systems that led to this recognition, ensuring they are properly funded and championed, especially in the current environment. Second, we will improve by shoring up any gaps in these resources.
But most importantly, and this is near and dear to my heart, we will amplify student voice. I want to tap into our GSAs ( Gay Straight Alliances), give scholars more decision-making power, and directly ask them: ‘How can we best support you?’ We build on this success by making sure our young people feel valued and heard.”
Matthew: Many students face multiple, intersecting challenges, related to their identity, language, disability, or socioeconomic status. How does your administration plan to identify and support all students who may be vulnerable or marginalized?
Dr. Funchess: “Our plan is built on a data-driven, tiered system. We have Multi-Tiered Systems of Support, or MTSS, coaches at all of our school sites. Their job is to gather data from multiple sources—like attendance, academics, and our Panorama surveys that measure a scholar’s sense of belonging.
This data allows us to identify students who are doing well, those who need extra support, and those who need intensive Tier 3 services.
We then back this system with specific training. For example, all our counselors are trained in LGBTQ+ support and our gender-affirming support plan. We will continue this to ensure our staff are good listeners who can meet kids where they are.”
Matthew: Recent community health surveys show that one in four children in the Coachella Valley has a diagnosed mental health disorder. At the same time, data reveals that LGBTQ+ youth face a disproportionately high risk of suicide. How does your administration plan to address this broad student mental health crisis while also providing the targeted, culturally competent care required by specific student populations?
Dr. Funchess: “That’s a critical question. Our strategy is built on providing immediate, accessible support on campus. When I first visited one of our schools, Vista del Monte, I saw our ‘Wellness Center’ model, which I believe is the key.
These centers are innovative, calming spaces where any student—whether they are feeling anxious, dealing with social media bullying, or having thoughts of self-harm—can go and get immediate support. They have access to mental health therapists right there in the room.
This is the foundation. We are building on this with on-campus behavioral therapists and what I believe are ‘second-to-none’ wraparound services from our student services division.
We are already seeing the results: our suspension and chronic absenteeism rates have lowered significantly. My plan is to champion these initiatives and make sure every parent and student knows these resources are available to them.”
Matthew: We understand there is a strong LGBTQ+ Staff Alliance Team within the district. How do you plan to partner with this internal group of dedicated staff to ensure their insights and experiences help shape district-wide initiatives and support for our students?
Dr. Funchess: “My approach is simple and direct, especially as I am new to the district. First, I am going to show up. I will be intentional about being present at their meetings and events, because I can’t learn how to serve those I work alongside if I don’t know them.
Second, I will be committed—committed to their well-being and to understanding how we can best support them and, in turn, our students. My pledge is to be present, to be a good listener, and to be the best learner I can be for our entire community.”
Matthew: Looking ahead, what is your message to the students and families in Palm Springs Unified who are listening today and hoping for a strong ally in the new superintendent?
Dr. Funchess: “My message is very simple.
Number one, you are loved. You are loved. Number two, you are valued. Remember that as a human being, as a person, you are loved and valued.
And then number three, I see you. I see your struggles. I see your aspirations. I see what it is that you might want to become or who you want to become, and I am with you. I wanna make sure that you are successful in your journey through the system of education to become who you are meant to become.”
For more information about Palm Springs Unified School District, visit psusd.us.