The April 19, 2017 meeting of the Board of Education began with the following announcements out of Closed Session.

The Board of Education has approved the following lateral moves:

  • Linda Ramirez, Principal at Williams Elementary to Principal, Greenberg Elementary
  • Bonifacio Sanchez, Principal at Greenberg Elementary to Principal, Williams Elementary.

Next, Cynthia Newell, a parent that has had a positive impact at Centennial Elementary, led the Pledge of Allegiance.

The Board of Education approved the minutes from the February 22, 2017 meeting.

The Board of Education adopted a resolution proclaiming April 2017 Autism Awareness Month, urging all schools and citizens to participate in this recognition to become better educated on autism spectrum disorders.

The Board of Education adopted a resolution proclaiming May 1-5, 2017 as Teacher Appreciation Week, acknowledging teachers who work collaboratively with the district to achieve its goals.

Student Kesli Ashjian from Bullard High School provided a report to the Board of Education, sharing details of yesterday’s SAB meeting and thanked Board President Ashjian and Board Member Mills for attending and encouraging students to be successful.  The students shared some news happening at Bullard High School, including that there are 60 valedictorians this year at Bullard, construction on a brand new library is nearly complete, and a record number of juniors have taken the SAT thanks to the district offering the test for free for students. In addition, students from Bullard Talent shared their academic goals.

Next, Interim Superintendent Nelson provided a brief report to the Board of Education including:

  • Sharing details of this morning’s press eventannouncing the relaunch of the Law and Criminal Justice Pathway at Bullard High School. Nelson was joined by Board President Ashjian, Principal Carlos Castillo, students, staff and members of the law pathway advisory board as they shared news of new sustainable curriculum and experiences gaged for students in grades ninth through twelfth beginning next fall.  The program links students to careers directly after graduation as well as a number of college options locally and in California in the social justice arena.  Interim Superintendent shared a videoto highlight the extensive work that has gone into the relaunch.
  • This week, 6,000 Fresno Unified fifth graders are headed to Roosevelt High School to watch a theater production of “Founding Fathers… and Mothers,” an original production written, directed and cast by the Good Company Players.  This production brings U.S. History to life in conjunction with providing many of our students their first live theater experience. Interim Superintendent thanked Francine and Murray Farber for their support of Fresno Unified and the arts as once again, through their generous gift, students are enjoying this wonderful production.
  • Nelson closed out his remarks by sharing that three Fresno Unified schools were named to the elite list of 2017 Gold Ribbon Schools by the California Department of Education–Baird Middle School, Design Science High School and Edison High School. Recognition is given to middle and high schools in the State who demonstrate exemplary educational programs along with the implementation of rigorous academic content—leading to increases in academic outcomes. The three schools were among 275 secondary schools state-wide honored as Gold Ribbon Schools. Nelson congratulated the principals, teachers, students and their families noting that success of this nature takes the commitment and dedication from an entire community and this recognition is proof of that. 

Following Interim Superintendent Nelson’s remarks, the Board of Education took the following actions on the below consent agenda items:

  • Approved personnel list
  • Adopted findings of fact and recommendations of the District Administrative Board
  • Approved agreement with ViaTron Systems, Inc. for data conversion and scanning
  • Approved independent contractor services agreement with California Association of Directors of Activities/California Association of Student Leaders
  • Approved agreement with Leadership Associates to conduct superintendent search
  • Denied Claim #16-1013-0336
  • Denied Claim #17-0317-0083
  • Ratified change orders for the following projects:
    • Bid 16-21, Duncan Polytechnical High School Gymnasium New Cooling Addition
    • Bid 16-23, Roosevelt High School Gymnasium New Cooling Addition
    • Bid 16-27, McLane High School Gymnasium New Cooling Addition
  • Ratified the filing of notices of completion for the following projects:
    • Bid 16-21, Duncan Polytechnical High School Gymnasium New Cooling Addition
    • Bid 16-23, Roosevelt High School Gymnasium New Cooling Addition
    • Bid 16-27, McLane High School Gymnasium New Cooling Addition

After the consent agenda, staff made presentations to the Board in the conference/discussion section of the agenda as follows:

  • Presented and discussed the 2017/18 Strategic Budget Development with presentations from Early Learning, School Leadership, Instructional Services, Administrative Services, Operational Services, Superintendent’s Office and Human Resources/Labor Relations.

The next regularly scheduled meeting of the Board of Education is Wednesday, May 3, 2017 at 5:30 p.m. at the Fresno Unified Education Center, located at 2309 Tulare St. in Fresno. Complete minutes and agendas are available online at https://go.fresnou.org/board.

Back to top