Summary of the Board of Education Meeting on March 4, 2020
The March 4 meeting of the Board of Education began with the following announcements out of Closed Session
- The Board took action on three workers’ compensation claims
Next, Rita McEntire, a parent that has had a positive impact at Bakman Elementary School, led the Pledge of Allegiance.
Next, RJ Romero, ASB representative from Fresno High School, shared that the high school kicked off their 2020 theme of Champions of Democracy by hosting a panel discussion of our local elected officials. After the discussion, students participated of a resource fair in Warrior Park where students had the opportunity to speak with many organizations during lunch period. Student shared that they are looking forward to their Spring Grade Distribution and Spring Sports Rally, happening next week.
Students from Fort Miller 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:
- Highlighting the community’s positive response to Measure M and thanking the Fresno Unified School District trustees for their commitment to providing the best facilities to our students. Thank you to the community partners who helped us get the word out and to our Fresno residents, thanks for trusting your kids to us and for voting to help improve our facilities.
- Next, Superintendent recognized Bullard High School Boys’ Basketball team for making it to the division championship. Hoover High School is moving to the next round after their win on Tuesday night.
- Superintendent shared that regarding the coronavirus, or COVID-19, Health Services Department and other key departments are in constant contact with the Fresno County Department of Health as both local and state health professionals continue to monitor this new virus. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention, or CDC, is also providing updates. We sent a letter to parents and our community on February 11 regarding our response and monitoring. That letter is available on our website’s home page and on PeachJar. The health risk to the general public in California from COVID-19 continues to remain low. Cases involving children are limited, but there are precautions to prevent the spread of any infectious illness, like a cold or the flu. You can do your part to reduce the spread of germs by remembering these key everyday precautions:
- If you are sick, stay home
- Avoid close contact with those who are already sick
- Cover you nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing with a tissue or the crook of your arm
- Wash your hands often with soap and water. If you don’t have access to soap and water, hand sanitizer with alcohol content of 60% or more is a great alternative
- Avoid touching eyes, nose or mouth
In addition, our custodians are cleaning classrooms and common areas each day as part of their everyday cleaning routine, which is another layer in reducing the spread of several viruses, including COVID-19. Please monitor PeachJar for updates.
- Next, Superintendent Nelson reminded everyone to keep an eye out for the 2020 Census arriving at homes mid-March. Participation in the 2020 Census is incredibly important and this year you can complete your Census By mail, phone or online. Billions of dollars in federal funding goes to hospitals, fire departments, schools, roads, and housing based upon census count. A correct count will help ensure our students, families, and community are represented accurately. Census Day is on April 1.
- Superintendent ended his remarks highlighting the creative approach from J. E. Young students to celebrate the 100th anniversary of women’s suffrage. Their art will be displayed in May at Art Hop. On Thursday night M Street Arts Complex will be sharing McLane region’s “Sheroes” Art Exhibit at Art Hop from 5-8pm. Art will highlight nine historical women, art, ceramics, live performances and even a fashion show featuring some of our students from Ericson, Norseman, and McLane. Here is a video showing how students from J.E. Young work on their projects.
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
- Approved Use of Piggyback Contract for Purchase of Modular Classroom and Restroom Buildings
- Ratified Amendment Agreement with the Hanover Research Council, LLC
- Ratified Purchase Orders from December 1, 2019 through December 31, 2019 – Primary Report
- Ratified Purchase Orders from December 1. 2019 through December 31, 2019 – Supplemental Report (Trustee Jonasson Rosas abstained pursuant Board Bylaw 9270)
Next, the Board of Education discussed and took action on the below conference/discussion agenda items:
- Discussed and Denied Claim GL19-0807-4747
- Discussed and Approved the 2019/20 Second Interim Financial Report with a Positive Certification
- Discussed and Approved the California School Boards Association Delegate Assembly Ballot
- Presented and Discussed the 2020/21 Strategic Budget Development
- Discussed and Approved Draft Fresno Unified School District Superintendent Goals for 2020/21
The next regularly scheduled meeting of the Board of Education is Wednesday, March 18, 2020 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