The March 20 meeting of the Board of Education began with the following announcement out of Closed Session:
- The board took action on two workers’ compensation cases
Next, Frances Flores, a parent that has had a positive impact at Ahwahnee Middle School, led the Pledge of Allegiance.
Next, Eduardo Casarubias, ASB representative from Duncan Polytechnical High School shared the most recent pathway added to the school, the Heavy Truck Pathway. The only pathway of its kind where students will learn and become certificated to work on semi-trucks. A ribbon-cutting ceremony will take place Thursday March 21, 2019 at 4:30 p.m. Regarding campus culture, Eduardo shared that they are working on creating a talent show for Friday that will be open to the public. Lastly, Casarubias highlighted that the school volleyball team is participating tonight in the recreational Sport League for the Specialty High School Championship with other schools including University High, Patiño School of Entrepreneurship, and Design Science.
Students from Hamilton K-8 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:
- Highlighting that last several days he was able to participate in the Council of the Great City Schools Legislative Session held in Washington, D.C. The weekend was inspiring and reaffirming being in D.C. and serving as a voice for the youth of the Central Valley.
- Nelson also shared that this week, March 17-23, marks National Safe Place Week where we celebrate and recognize local businesses, community organizations, youth service agencies, and volunteers that are part of the Safe Place program. Fresno Unified partners with Fresno EOC Sanctuary and Support Services to provide Safe Places at more than 106 school sites and facilities. Fresno EOC’s Sanctuary Youth Shelter is an emergency shelter for runaway, homeless or at-risk youth ages 12-18. Our local Safe Place Sanctuary is the only self-referral emergency shelter for youth of this age group within 15,000 square mile radius. Later this week, our Emergency Crisis Management Response Manager, Armand Chavez will be recognized by the Fresno EOC’s Safe Place and Sanctuary Support Services.
- Superintendent shared that this past Saturday, Parent University hosted its African American Parent Athlete Symposium at Gaston Middle School. Parents from around the district participated in learning sessions focused on student pursuing athletics beyond high school. The event keynote speaker was Robert Golden, former Edison football standout and former safety for the Pittsburg Steelers. Here you can see a video about the inspiring event.
- Last, Superintendent acknowledged Instructional Superintendent Katie Russell. Next week, the California Association of African American Superintendents and Administrators (CAAASA) will recognize Katie for her positive impact on the students of California and specifically, the students of Fresno Unified, Congratulations Katie!
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
- Adopted Resolution Proclaiming April 2019 Autism Awareness Month
- Approved Appointments to Citizens’ Bond Oversight Committee
- Approved Independent Contractor Services Agreements for the Language Learning Project Grant Work Beginning in Kern and Tulare Counties
- Approved Property and Liability Insurance for 2019/20
- Approved Provisional Internship Permits
- Approved Renewal Agreement with Delta Health Systems (Plush Care/Telehealth)
- Approved Renewal Agreement with Standard Life Insurance Company
- Approved Award of Bid 19-20 Sections A and B, HVAC Multipurpose Room Improvements for Roeding, Viking and Vinland Elementary Schools and Cooper Middle School
- Approved Amendment to Independent Contractor Services Agreement with WestEd
- Independent Contractor Services Agreement with Springboard Collaborative (Pulled from agenda)
- Denied Claim #GL18-0912-1585
- Denied Claim #GL18-0912-2528
- Ratified Change Orders for the Projects Listed Below
Bid 18-09, Construction of New Classroom Building and Modernization of Administration Building for Slater Elementary School
Bid 18-10, Construction of Building 100 for Figarden Elementary School
Bid 18-22, Rata High School Modernization
Bid 18-25, Roosevelt High School Construction of New Aquatic Complex
- Ratified Grant Application to the California Department of Education for the Career Technical Education incentive Grant Program
- Ratified the Filing of a Notice of Completion
Bid 19-11, Section B, Installation of Parking Lot Lighting at Various Elementary Schools
- Discussed and Approved Partnership Agreement for Dual Enrollment between the State Center Community College District and Fresno Unified School District
- Presented and Discussed the 2019/20 Strategic Budget Development
The next regularly scheduled meeting of the Board of Education is Wednesday, April 03, 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.