Granite Mountain Elementary opens renovated library thanks to community support

By Alan Hunt
Originally Published: May 20, 2026
The Daily Courier

Granite Mountain Upper Elementary hosted a grand reopening of its library on Wednesday, May 19, 2026.

The PUSD Education Foundation provided a $30,000 grant that school leadership used to give the decades-old space a comprehensive makeover.

Librarian Melissa Stumpf directed the project, redesigning the ’70s-era library to fit her vision of a modern and inviting learning environment.

“I was just trying to streamline the space for when the kids come in so that they can find a new favorite book to read,” she said. “We want to get the books back in their hands to read and not turn to electronics.”

She used the grant to make sweeping improvements like lowering bookshelves for easier access along with the purchase of flexible seating and collaborative furniture.

Other notable renovations include the removal of a large glass foyer at the entrance, replacement of ceiling tiles and lighting fixtures, the removal of blinds to favor natural light and repainted walls with colorful school spirit decals.

Additionally, the team invested in touch-sensitive display screens for multimedia presentations and lessons.

The funding is part of the foundation’s school enhancement grant program. Created four years ago, the program endows one PUSD school with a grant each year for schools to invest in a project of their choice.

“We don’t judge [the projects], just as long as they have a big impact,” PUSD Foundation Executive Director Paul Kirchgraber said.

Arizona ranks 49th in the country for per-pupil funding, according to the National Education Association’s latest annual report. The foundation was created to supplement school income via local fundraising.

“It’s community doing the heavy lifting,” he said. “They hear what the need is. They are able to recognize the impact it can make.”

Other foundation initiatives include providing educators with free instruction materials through its teacher’s supply closet program.

Principal Karen Hughes acknowledged donors, her facilities team and Stumpf for their contributions to be enjoyed by students for years to come.

“Melissa, really, thank you for everything,” she said. “Your heart is in this room.”

The foundation will endow Abia Judd Elementary with its school enhancement grant next year.

By Alan Hunt – The Daily Courier
Originally Published: May 20, 2026