Shaping the Future
Our story is rooted in a simple purpose: bringing our community together to create more opportunities for Utopia ISD.

“We believe strong schools are at the heart of strong communities. This Foundation is our way of creating opportunities today that will help Utopia thrive for generations to come.”
David Kassai, President
Utopia ISD Education Foundation
Our Story
Like many rural school districts across Texas, Utopia ISD faces funding challenges that can limit opportunities for students and educators. While state funding provides the foundation for education, it doesn't always allow schools to pursue innovative programs, specialized classroom resources, professional development, or expanded learning experiences.
Recognizing this need, local community leaders established the Utopia ISD Education Foundation to help bridge that gap. What began as a shared commitment to supporting local education has grown into an organization dedicated to creating opportunities that enrich learning, inspire innovation, and strengthen our entire community.
Today, the Foundation works alongside the Utopia ISD Scholarship Fund and countless volunteers, donors, and partners to make a meaningful and lasting impact on our schools.
$500,000 Awarded Scholarships
Helping Utopia ISD graduates pursue their dreams through continued education.
$XX Invested In Classrooms
Empowering educators with innovative resources, programs, and experiences.
300+Students Sent to Higher Education
Helping Utopia graduates pursue what comes next, beyond graduation.
Our Mission
The Utopia ISD Education Foundation exists to strengthen the future of our community by investing in educational excellence. Through classroom grants, student scholarships, innovative programs, and meaningful partnerships, we provide opportunities that empower educators, inspire students, and enrich the educational experience throughout Utopia ISD.
We believe thriving schools are the foundation of a thriving community. By bringing together families, alumni, local businesses, philanthropists, and friends of Utopia, we're preserving the values that make our town extraordinary while creating opportunities that will benefit generations to come. Every investment in education is an investment in the future of Utopia.
Meet The Board

David Kassai
President
David has called Utopia home since 2018 and is the owner of Blue Flame and a father of two, including a current Utopia ISD student. He believes strongly in leading by example and giving back to the community his family calls home. As President of the Foundation, David is committed to building a strong foundation for Utopia’s future and helping ensure local students have the resources, opportunities, and support they need to succeed.

Kathy Lewis
Vice President
Kathy has lived in Utopia for most of her life and is a 1969 graduate of Utopia High School. A retired educator, she earned her B.S. in Education from Southwest Texas State University and her M.Ed. from Sul Ross University. Kathy helped establish the Utopia Education Foundation alongside other community members and remains a dedicated supporter of public education, Utopia ISD, and the opportunities available to its students.

Ashleigh Kay
Secretary
Ashleigh has called Utopia home since 2010 and has served Utopia ISD in many roles, from teaching third grade and culinary arts to her current work as school counselor, CTE director, GT coordinator, and Family Consumer Science teacher. A member of the Utopia Education Foundation since its inception, she believes deeply in the community and in providing every Utopia student with the best education and opportunities possible.

Betty Boyce
Treasurer
Born and raised in Utopia, Betty has deep roots in the community as a local business owner, school board member, and member of the Methodist Church. She serves the Foundation to help provide students with the enrichment, tools, and skills they need for whatever comes next, whether college, trade school, or another path. Believing the school is the heartbeat of Utopia, Betty is committed to helping it remain strong and creating opportunities for students beyond what limited school funding can provide.

Julie Mazurek
Donor Relations
Julia has served Utopia ISD since 2020 as Principal of Utopia School and brings 24 years of experience in education to the community. She joined the Utopia Education Foundation in 2024, bringing firsthand insight into the needs of students and educators and the opportunities that can make a meaningful difference in their experience. Through her work with the Foundation, Julia is committed to strengthening the resources and support available to help Utopia’s students and educators thrive.

Michael Derry
Donor Relations
Describe the team member here. Write a brief description of their role and responsibilities, or a short bio with a background summary.

Cathy McCool
Compliance / Audit Officer
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Stephanie Duke
Board Member
Stephanie was raised in Utopia, graduated from Utopia High School in 1994, and later returned to raise her own family. With roots in Utopia spanning generations and three children who have attended Utopia ISD, the school and community have played an important role throughout her life. Stephanie serves the Foundation as a way to give back and help ensure today’s students have the resources, experiences, and opportunities they need to learn, grow, and confidently prepare for whatever comes next.

Ally McDeavitt
Board Member
Ally has called Utopia home since 2025 and is the owner of Bluum Digital, a marketing agency serving businesses locally and beyond. As a member of the Foundation, she uses her marketing experience to expand awareness, strengthen its digital presence, and make it easier for others to support its mission. Ally is passionate about giving back to her community and helping ensure Utopia’s students and educators have the resources and opportunities they need to thrive.

Investing in Excellence
Every investment in the Utopia ISD Education Foundation creates meaningful opportunities that enrich education and strengthen the future of our community. At the 2025 Buffalo Boots & BBQ Bash, the Foundation awarded more than $9,000 in classroom grants to educators across Utopia ISD, transforming innovative ideas into impactful learning experiences.
From STEM technology and early literacy initiatives to educational field trips, student leadership experiences, and agricultural programs, these grants empower educators to think creatively and give students opportunities that extend far beyond the classroom. Each project reflects our shared commitment to educational excellence and the belief that investing in our schools is an investment in the future of Utopia.
Together, we're creating lasting impact by supporting the people, programs, and experiences that make Utopia ISD an extraordinary place to learn, grow, and lead.
Stay Connected to Utopia
Follow Utopia ISD on social media for a closer look at the people, programs, and partnerships shaping our community and future.
