Plans are moving forward with the Falcon travel and activity bus, with renovations already under way as the completed bus is expected to be up and running by the New Year.

In the meantime, the Athletics Booster Club is hard at work fundraising for its half of the upgrades, inviting residents, organizations and businesses to get involved.

Back in October, the Verne C. Johnson Family Foundation, offered a donation of $66,000 to FHUSD to upgrade one of the district buses.

“I was ecstatic how the School Board took the athletic bus proposal very seriously and very pleased that they approved us going forward,” said Dwight Johnson.

“The main purpose of this project was to protect our student-athletes, especially because they travel up to three hours on some occasions and into the mountains.”

Athletic Director Michael Briguglio agreed.

“From an athletic department standpoint, safety and comfort go together and are both found on this athletic bus,” he said.

“Having coach seats that accommodate student-athletes over 5’8” is a huge impact in itself. No longer do they have to sit sideways on the bus.”

The original donation was eventually approved by the Governing Board, opting to retrofit a 2013 fleet bus with new seating, seatbelts and a Falcon-themed paint job.

While the funds have already been provided for the upgrades, the Booster Club aims to take part in the project geared at promoting safety, comfort and district awareness on athletic and extracurricular trips.

As a result, fundraising has begun to tackle half of the total amount.

“The shared cost is equal between the foundation and the Athletic Booster Club,” explained ABC President Dr. Steve Feyrer-Melk.

“This project aligns perfectly with the goals of both the Verne C. Johnson Family Foundation and Athletic Booster Club.”

Feyrer-Melk explained that financial commitments are already in place, but additional support is needed to finish the ABC funding.

He explained that, considering how far-reaching the travel bus routes will be, it offers the community a good opportunity to spread the word about what Fountain Hills has to offer.

“Many times, the only interaction people from outside the community have with Fountain Hills is when they see the bus on the road,” he said.

“This will certainly give them a great impression of us.”

Feyrer-Melk said that donations of any size are being sought, especially from local businesses and businesspeople, to support the project.

“No donation is too small and, of course, none is too big,” he continued.

“The conversion is nearly $60,000 and worth every penny when you think of safety, comfort, pride and performance.

“We have just come off a big override vote that was quite close. I want to assure our parents and community members that only private funds will be used for this project.”

Since the Community YOUTH Foundation already fronted the project’s funding, Athletic Director Michael Briguglio said that students should be able to enjoy the bus in just a couple of months.

“The seats have been ordered and the art work is being worked on,” Briguglio said.

“The goal is to have the bus ready by January 1.”

The paint job will be primarily white with blue Falcon-themed trim.

“From a maintenance and cleaning standpoint, that made the most sense,” Briguglio continued.

“It’s going to look sharp. We’re thrilled. It’s going to be great for our kids and coaches. It’s a huge plus.”

Those interested in supporting the project should contact Dr. Steve Feyrer-Melk at drsteve@optimalheartcenter.com, or send tax deductible checks to the FHHS Athletic Booster Club through the Fountain Hills High School, 16100 E. Palisades Blvd. Fountain Hills, AZ 85258.