The January 30 meeting of the Board of Education began with the following announcements out of Closed Session:
- The Board took action on four worker’s compensation claim
Next, Sylvia Molina, a parent that has had a positive impact at Fort Miller Middle School led the Pledge of Allegiance.
Next, Dominick Antuna and Joshua Camarillo, ASB representatives from Edison High School, shared with the board that they have been learning about SAB project the Human Element, to find ways to make a greater impact on younger students and encourage kindness. In addition, they shared that in March, Edison will have their Sadie’s Dance along with Diversity Assembly. Leadership is implementing an idea where students will nominate and recognize teachers for their hard work, dedication and commitment. Students that are taking AP classes are being recognized too and the Academic Decathlon team has been studying to prepare for upcoming competitions.
Students from Gaston Middle School were present and spoke about what they love about being a student at their school.
Next, Superintendent Nelson provided a brief report to the Board of Education including:
- Highlighted that February 4-8 is National School Counseling Week. Superintendent extended a special recognition to School Counselors for supporting the district and the students that we serve. With approximately 120 school counselors, the team helps develop college and career ready graduates, providing both academic and social emotional supports. Our school counselors have a tremendous impact in guiding students to achieve success and plan for their future. Superintendent encouraged sites to take time to celebrate their school counselors and let them know how much they are appreciated.
- Nelson also shared that next agenda will not include an expected list of potential special education investments, as staff wants to ensure they provide the most comprehensive presentation in conjunction with labor partners, the special education committee and the community.
- Superintendent shared that the board will consider a resolution declaring January as National Slavery and Human Trafficking Prevention Month. For the last three years the District’s Relevant Engagement with Art and Literacy program or R.E.A.L brings students in grades K-12 to engage in real life community conversations thought age appropriate lessons. Beginning this Saturday, a number of our McLane ArtVenue students will install life size pop-up cutouts of human trafficking victims at four locations. The purpose of the project, “After Dark: Breaking the Chains of Human Trafficking” is to create awareness of the human trafficking crisis. The community can scan the QR code and read the story specific to each one of the individuals featured in the art pieces featured downtown.
- Nelson also shared that on February 9 at 11:15 a.m., Fresno High School will officially dedicate its baseball field on behalf of longtime teacher, coach and athletic director Ken Papi. Back in October, the Board approved naming the field in Mr. Papi’s honor.
- Last, Superintendent shared that the Fresno Unified family lost a beloved administrator last week with the passing of assistant superintendent Holland Locker. His empty chair served as a somber reminder of the loss so many have been struggling with over the last several days. Superintendent thanked those who have been reaching out sharing stories of Holland and sending love and condolences. Nelson shared that during the last board meeting, trustees celebrated Holland as they approved his upcoming retirement, many did not know at the time, including the Board that Holland had been privately battling cancer for the las several months. Superintendent finished his remarks sharing a video honoring our colleague and friend – Holland Locker.
Next, the Board of Education took the following action on the below consent agenda items:
- Approved Personnel List
- Adopted Findings of Fact and Recommendations of the District Administrative Board
- Approved Minutes from Prior Meeting, December 12, 2018
- Adopted Resolution Proclaiming the Month of February 2019 as African American history Month
- Healthy Air Living Standards Resolution (Pulled from agenda)
- Adopted Resolution Proclaiming January 2019 as National Slavery and Human Trafficking Prevention Month
- Adopted Resolution 18-08 to Establish Compatibility, Uniformity and Standardization of Specific Products and Equipment for Use Throughout the District
- Approved Independent Contractor Services Agreements for Implementation of the Student Support and Academic Enrichment Grant
- Approved Omnibus Amendments to Energy Services Agreements – Special Conditions with FFP BTM solar, LLC (ForeFront Power) for Development of Solar Energy Projects at Comprehensive High Schools, Brawley Service Center, and Nutrition Center
- Approved Award of Bid 19-14, Wishon Elementary School Boiler and Chiller Replacement
- Approved Award of Bid 19-17 Phase 2A, Installation of district Video Security System at Elementary Schools: Balderas, Birney, Burroughs, Jackson, Malloch, Sunset, Thomas and Wilson
- Approved Use of Individual Piggyback Contract in 2018/19 for Purchase of a Grant-funded Mobile Medical Unit
- Approved Budget Revision No. 3 for Fiscal Year 2018/19
- Approved Provisional Internship Permits
- Approved Revised Job Descriptions for Paraeducator-Community Based. Paraeducator-Autism and Paraeducator-Social Emotional Intervention, Designation as Classified, Non-Exempt
- Denied Claim #GL18-1130-2194
- Ratified Renewal Agreement with Kaiser Permanente
- Ratified Renewal Agreement with United Healthcare
- Ratified Change Orders for the Projects Listed Below
- Bid 18-02, Adult Transition Program (ATP) Modernization Project Modernization Project Change Order 7: $19,612
- Bid 18-09, Construction of New Classroom Buildings and Modernization of Administration Building for Slater Elementary School Change Order 6: $171,725
- Bid 18-39, Fresno High School Gymnasium HVAC Improvements Change Order 1: $5,113
- Ratified the Filing of Notices of Completion
- Bid 17-14, Fresno High School’s Royce Hall Acoustical Improvements and Remodel
- Bid 18-17, Sections A, B, D, E, Installation of Exterior Lighting Upgrades at Various Schools
- Bid 18-24, Sections B, C, Water Conservation and Irrigation Improvements at Various Sites
- Bid 18-28, Fremont Elementary School and Edison Computech Middle School Multipurpose Rooms HVAC Improvements
- Bid 18-31, Storey and Viking Elementary Schools, Tioga Middle School, Boilers and Chiller Replacement
- Bid 18-38, Section A, Addicott and Vang Pao Elementary Schools’ Portable Classroom Relocation and Infrastructure
Next, the Board of Education discussed on the below conference/discussion agenda items:
- Presented and Discussed the Fall 2018 California Dashboard Results and the Publication of the School Accountability Report Card
- Presented and Discussed the 2019/20 Strategic Budget Development
- Master Plan for English Learner Success: Implementation Update (pulled from agenda)
Next, the Board of Education received the below information & reports:
- Received the Fresno Teachers Association – Trades Professionals Initial Proposal to Fresno Unified School District for the 2019/2022 Successor Agreement
- Received the Fresno Unified School District Initial Proposal to Fresno Teachers Association – Trades for Professionals for the 2019-2022 Successor Agreement
The next regularly scheduled meeting of the Board of Education is Wednesday, February 13, 2019 at the Fresno Unified Education Center, located at 2309 Tulare Street. in Fresno. Complete minutes and agendas are available online at https://go.fresnou.org/board.