May 6, 2020

Summary of the Board of Education Meeting on May 6, 2020

Virtual Meeting

The May 6, 2020 meeting of the Board of Education began with the following announcements out of Closed Session

  • The Board appointed/lateral Denise Romero- Whittles principal at Kirk Elementary School to principal at Webster Elementary School
  • The Board appointed/lateral Karina Stenfort, principal at Jackson Elementary School to principal at Winchell Elementary School
  • The Board appointed Tobaise Brookins, vice principal at Fort Miller Middle School to principal at Kirk Elementary School
  • The Board promoted Courtney Curtis, vice principal on Special Assignment to principal at Gaston Middle School
  • The Board promoted Richard “Rick” Perez, vice principal at Cooper Academy Middle School to principal at Kings Canyon Middle School
  • The Board Promoted Marilyn Lopez-Cuevas, principal at Balderas Elementary School to principal at Tehipite Middle School
  • The Board took action on one workers’ compensation claim

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

  • Highlighting that yesterday was Teacher Appreciation Day and today is School Nurse Appreciation Day, we decided to celebrate these two giants for the whole week. Thank you to everyone who has been participating in our daily challenges – chalk art, pictures, and videos. Without our teachers we would be nothing as a school district. And without our Nurses, especially in a time like now, we’d lost! Thank you to all our teachers and nurses for your commitment to our students and your hard work, day in and day out. We love you! Here is a video compiling videos and pictures sent to us to honor our amazing teachers and nurses.
  • Next, the Superintendent recognized a few of our nurses that are retiring this year. Congratulations on your retirement: Lisa Balucas, Registered Nurse with Early Learning, Patricia Atitiya, Registered Nurse at Rata, Doris Austin, Licensed Vocational Nurse at ATP, Christine Mott, and Medi-Call Technician with Health Services. I cannot thank you enough for your service to our district!
  • Superintendent Nelson stated that last week we also honored our Bus Drivers, Principals, and School Lunch Heroes! Thank you all so much for what you do!
  • Superintendent shared that the district announced its plans regarding virtual senior celebrations and virtual summer learning on April 27th. We will have more information coming out for both topics next week. I want to be clear – We are still committed to providing an in-person graduation when it is safe to again gather in groups. Keep an eye on our website for the updates.
  • Superintendent Nelson highlighted that Fresno Unified students will have the opportunity to take their AP exams online at home May 11-22. Earlier this week, students received detailed instructions through their Fresno Unified email as to how to log on for each of their AP tests using their unique AP ID. On test day, students will need to log on 30 minutes before the start time, so we encourage students to practice and preview the test experience as well as their technology prior to the test. For further information regarding AP exam formatting and resources, please have your student check their Fresno Unified or other personal email account linked to College Board, contact their AP teacher or call the Fresno Unified AP help line at 666-4272. Also, tune in Friday to our district livestream conversation where we’ll be talking about AP testing and grading. We will be live streaming live from our website, Facebook and Instagram at 12:30pm.
  • Next Superintendent shared that the district is now accepting applications for all Preschool and Prekindergarten Programs for the 2019-2020 school year. You can find the HOW TO ENROLL link under the parent tab at www.fresnounified.org. All new students, regardless of age or grade, can enroll online from this link as well. For more information and to make an appointment over the phone, please call The Early Learning Department, 559-457-3416. All new students, regardless of age or grade, can enroll online by clicking the HOW TO ENROLL link under the parent tab at www.fresnounified.org as well.
  • Superintendent shared that College and Career Readiness has begun issuing work permits during school closure by appointment only. In alignment to California Labor Law, students are only authorized to work outside of school hours, which remains in effect despite school closures, and cannot exceed recommended total number of hours. For more information, please email: workpermits@fresnounified.org
  • Superintendent ensured to families that we are NOT returning physically to school this academic year. There has been some confusion this week that with “phase 2″ of our state and city reopening that would include our classrooms. Unfortunately, that is not the case and our campuses are closed for the remainder of the school year.
  • Last, Superintendent Nelson encourage the community to complete their Census form if they have not already. It takes just a few minutes and means so much to the funding of crucial services in our community, including schools.

Next, the Board of Education took the following action on the below consent agenda items:

  • ​Approved Personnel List
  • Approved Minutes from Prior Meetings
  • Adopted Resolution Proclaiming May 04-08, 2020 as Teacher/Substitute Teacher Appreciation Week
  • Adopted Resolution Proclaiming May 06, 2020 as National School Nurse Day
  • Adopted Resolution 19-39, to Certify Measure M Bond Election and Designate Existing Citizens’ Bond Oversight Committee to Act as Such for Measure M
  • Approved Carl D. Perkins Applications for Funding
  • Approved Contract with Education Elements to Support Personalized Learning Initiative Wave 3 Partner Schools for the Design/Rollout of Personalized, Blended Learning
  • Approved Contracts with TCG Advisors and Foundation 99
  • Approved Internal Audit and Fraud Investigation Services Contract with Price Paige & Company
  • Approved Award of Bid 20-32, Playground Wood Chips for Elementary Schools
  • Approved Award of Bid 20-34 Sections A and B, Multipurpose Building HVAC Upgrades for Gibson, Holland, Manchester, Powers-Ginsburg Elementary Schools, and Baird Middle School; and Reject Award of Base Bid for Ericson Elementary School
  • Approved Award of Bid 20-41, Scandinavian Middle School Gymnasium Make-Up Air Units Replacement
  • Approved Award of Bid 20-43 Sections A, B and C, Playground Equipment Installation for Various Elementary Schools
  • Approved Award of Request for Qualifications 20-45, Case Management Services (Board member Jonasson- Rosas abstain pursuant Board Bylaw 9270)
  • Approved the 2020/2021 Annual Membership Dues with the Council of the Great City Schools
  • Ratified Agreement with Marsh and McLennan Agency
  • Ratified Change Orders for the Projects Listed Below

    Bid 19-10, McLane High School Construction of New Aquatic Center

    Bid 19-41, Wawona K-8 School Classroom and Restroom Additions

    Bid 19-50 Sections A and B, Portable Classroom Relocation and Infrastructure for Ewing, Kirk, Phoenix Elementary, Sunset, Vang Pao and Wilson Elementary Schools

    Bid 20-10, Cambridge High School Student Services and Administration Office Improvements
  • Ratified Purchase Orders from February 1, 2020 through February 29, 2020 – Primary Report
  • Ratified Purchase Orders from February 1, 2020 through February 29, 2020 – Supplemental Report (Board member Jonasson- Rosas abstain pursuant Board Bylaw 9270)

Next, the Board of Education discussed and took action on the below conference/discussion agenda items:

  • Presented and Discussed the 2020/21 Strategic Budget Development

Next, the Board of Education received the following Information and Reports:

  • Received Proposed Revisions for Board Policies
    • BP 5112.5 Closed Campus
    • BP 5131.4 Campus Disturbances
    • BP 5131.5 Vandalism
    • BP 5131.63 Anabolic Steroids
    • BP 5141.24 Specialized Physical Health Care Services
    • BP 5145.2 Freedom of Speech/Expression: Public Code
    • BP 6011 Academic Standards
    • BP 6020 Parent Involvement​
    • BP 6112 School Day
    • BP 6115 Ceremonies and Observances
    • BP 6141 Curriculum Development and Design
    • (NEW) BP 6141.4 International Baccalaureate Program
    • (NEW) BP 6141.5 Advanced Placement
    • BP 6142.8 Comprehensive Health Education
    • BP 6142.92 Mathematics Instruction
    • (NEW) BP 6142.94 History-Social Science Instruction
    • BP 6143 Courses of Study
    • BP 6145.5 Organizations/Associations
    • BP 6145.6 International Exchanges
    • (DELETE) BP 6145.7 Student Exchange Organizations
    • (DELETE) BP 6145.8 Activity Funds Management
    • (NEW) BP 6145.8 Assemblies and Special Events
    • (NEW) BP 6154 Homework/Makeup Work

The next regularly scheduled meeting of the Board of Education will be a teleconference meeting on Wednesday, May 20, 2020. Complete minutes and agendas are available online at https://go.fresnou.org/board

Back to top