TUCSON, AZ / AGILITYPR.NEWS / August 18, 2026 / Foundation and framing complete for new music classroom; project passes first inspection as electrical and HVAC work begins

Construction is progressing on the Kino School campus expansion funded by a $90,000 gift from Tucson Federal Credit Union (TFCU), with crews recently completing the foundation and framing for the school's new music classroom.

TFCU presented the gift to Kino School in December 2025 to support the conversion of a 336-square-foot covered porch into a fully enclosed, climate-controlled, sound-insulated music classroom. The project has since passed its first inspection, and electricians and HVAC crews have begun work on the space, with insulation scheduled to follow.

Founded in 1976, Kino School is a K–12 nonprofit that serves students who learn differently through individualized, project-based instruction. The school maintains an 8:1 student-to-teacher ratio and centers its curriculum on STEAM, the arts, and emotional intelligence rather than standardized testing. Nearly 90% of Kino families receive financial assistance, and more than a third of students have special needs, both figures well above state averages.

“Their mission to meet students where they are and ensure diverse learners are never left behind is exceptional," said TFCU President & CEO Matthew Gaspari. "Music has unmatched cultural and emotional power—it shapes identity, sharpens the mind, and heals the spirit. That profound impact is why we are so proud to fund this project and invest in our youth."

Once complete, the new classroom will give Kino School dedicated space for instrumental instruction, vocal performance, and music theory, programs that have been limited by the school's current footprint. The project includes steel-stud walls, energy-efficient windows, HVAC systems, fire sprinklers, commercial-grade flooring, and acoustic treatments to create a professional-grade learning environment.

Construction is expected to near completion by late August, with the finished classroom set to open to students following the December school holiday.

Founded by teachers, education is a core mission value for Tucson Federal Credit Union. The gift reflects TFCU's ongoing commitment to Southern Arizona's educational landscape and its belief that students of all learning styles deserve the opportunity to succeed.