March 21, 2018

The March 21, 2018 meeting of the Board of Education began with the following announcements out of Closed Session:

  • Lateral transfer of Cha Vang, Principal II, Burroughs Elementary to Principal II, Aynesworth Elementary
  • Lateral transfer of Kelley Auston, Principal II, Wilson Elementary to Principal II, Robinson Elementary
  • Lateral transfer of Miguel Naranjo, Principal II, Lowell Elementary to Principal II, Burroughs Elementary
  • Promoted Joey Munoz, Vice Principal III, Edison High School to Principal V, Edison High School
  • Promoted Carol Badawi, Principal II, Kratt Elementary to Principal III, Bullard Talent K-8 School

Next, Virginia Campos, a parent who has had a positive impact at Hoover High School, led the Pledge of Allegiance.

Students Aimee Khanchareun and Daniela Hernandez from Edison High School provided a report to the board.  On March 12, Edison had its second regional leadership conference involving all feeder schools.  Students from grades 4th through 8th participated in workshops like Student Parliamentary Procedure, Think Before You Post and Student Voice. Also, last weekend, Edison had more than 400 students attend the annual sadies dance.  The theme was outer space black light.  Wednesday is the opening for the Lion King play being put on by Edison’s theater department.  The students also recognized Lindsay Sanders for her devotion to students, positive attitude and strong work ethic while serving as principal of Edison for six years. Also, students from Computech Middle School shared with the board what they love about attending Computech, activities they participate in and their career goals.

The Board of Education adopted a resolution proclaiming April 2018 Autism Awareness Month.

The Board of Education then recognized the Fresno Unified School District Winter Sports Teams for the 2017/18 School Year

  • McLane Wrestling – CIF Wrestling State Qualifiers – Head Coach Brian Perreault
  • Bullard Wrestling – CIF Wrestling State Qualifiers – Head Coach Carlos Urrea
  • Edison Girls Soccer Team – CIF Division 2 Valley Champions – Head Coach Larry Hinz
  • Sunnyside Boys Soccer Team – CIF Division 1 Valley Champions – Head coach Fabian Rangel

The Board of Education adopted a resolution proclaiming March 2018 Women’s History Month.

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

  • Recognizing Mattie Thomas of CSEA is going to be honored as Woman of the Year in District 5.  She is a force for all that is good and we’re thankful for the opportunity to collaborate with her.
  • Commending students and staff for their collaboration around last Wednesday’s National School Walkout.  With guidance from our communications team, site leaders, campus culture directors and student groups worked together to plan alternatives to walkouts that kept students on campus and safe while still ensuring their voices were heard. From moments of silence to classroom discussions to open forums in the quad, the activities were meaningful and allowed students to express their thoughts and emotions.  Nelson then showed a video recapping some of the students’ events.
  • Congratulating the students who competed in last Saturday’s 11th annual Tournament of Technology at Roosevelt High School.  More than 600 middle school students competed in 14 events in three categories: robotics, video productions and design.  Each event also had an online competition that took place a week before the tournament in categories like design, website development, computer programming and video advertisements, public service announcements and movie trailers.  Nelson congratulated Division 1 winners Kings Canyon Middle School (1st), Sequoia Middle School (2nd) and Computech Middle School (3rd) and Division 2 winners Tioga Middle School (1st), Scandinavian Middle School (2nd) and Ahwahnee Middle School (3rd).  He especially thanked Kurt Madden and the IT team for making this event happen.  Nelson then played a video from this year’s event.
  • Addressing concerns relating to the district’s current dress code policy, specifically related to “distracting” hairstyles. The district has taken action and initiated a review of the dress code policy.  Schools have been directed to suspend enforcement of hair-related provisions and a cross-departmental team has been designated to review the policy so it’s consistent with our goals on diversity, equity and inclusion.  Students will also be include to assist in the review and revision of the existing dress code to ensure the district addresses concerns relative to today’s student.  Nelson hopes this effort will eliminate any additional challenges for students, families, staff and will allow everyone to refocus on what is most important – preparing college and career ready graduates.
  • Highlighting that Wednesday is World Down Syndrome Day.  Today being the 21st day of the third month signifies the uniqueness of the triplication of the 21st chromosome with causes Down syndrome.  Nelson asked that we all do our part to help raise awareness of what Down syndrome is and how people with Down syndrome play a vital role in our lives and communities.
  • This week the district began the last quarter of the school year.  Nelson is encouraging staff and students to take time next week to relax and unwind during spring break.  Take time to unplug and reenergize for a strong finish to the school year.

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 minutes from the December 13, 2017 regular meeting and March 7, 2018 regular meeting.
  • Approved amendment to the agreement with Saltzman & Johnson Law Corporation
  • Approved property and liability insurance renewal 2018/19
  • Approved amendment to Citizens’ Bond Oversight committee Bylaws to move annual report presentation from December to January
  • Approved appointment to Citizens’ Bond Oversight Committee
  • Approved award of Bid 18-19, Copy Paper
    • Contract Paper Group
  • Approved award of Bid 18-21, Sunnyside High School Irrigation Improvements
    • Clean Cut Landscape, Inc.
  • Approved award of Bid 18-22, Rata High School Modernization
    • BVI Construction, Inc.
  • Denied Claim #17-0829-0284
  • Denied Claim #17-0829-0285
  • Denied Claim #GL17-0821-268
  • Denied Claim #GL17-0825-281
  • Denied Claim #GL17-0927-266
  • Denied Claim #GL17-1027-267
  • Ratified the Filing of a Notice of Completion
    • Bid 18-07, Education Center Cooling Tower Replacement

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

  • Presented and discussed the 2018/19 Strategic Budget Development

The Board of Education received the following information or reports:

  • Proposed Revisions for Board Policies (BP) 1312.3 and 6175

The next regularly scheduled meeting of the Board of Education is Wednesday, April 11, 2018 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.

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