November 5, 2019

Summary of the Board of November 6, 2019 Meeting

​The November 6 meeting of the Board of Education began with no announcements out of Closed Session.

Next, Sonya “Stephany” Herrera, a student from Addicott Elementary School, led the Pledge of Allegiance. (presented before closed session)

Next, Sharae Peoples and Jose Magana-Torres, ASB representatives from Cambridge High School, shared that for the first quarter students have earned 5,836.5 credits. In the beginning of the second quarter the campus will be offering night school and Saturday school credit attainment. Both programs will be offered throughout the year. Students also shared that they are continuing with their school-wide Project-Based Learning. On December 11, students will present their classroom project to community members. The Academic Decathlon, formed by 11 members, is preparing for practice day on November 16. Leadership class has decided to recognize staff on a monthly basis for all the hard work they do. Students shared that for Veterans Day they are recognizing four staff members who served in the military, each veteran will have a day in honor of his or her service to our county. 

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:

  • Highlighting that November is recognized both as National Military Family Month and National Adoption Month, thanking our military families for the sacrifices made daily to protect and serve our country. Also, thanking all who have taken the role as adoptive parents like him and his wife Tiffany. Adopting has been one of their greatest joys and rewards. This month superintendent encourages us to think how our families can give back to both Military and Adoptive families.
  • Nelson also shared that Fresno Unified is requesting input for the 2020-2021 and 2021-2022 academic calendars. Surveys are available and accessible on the homepage of our website under “Announcements” in English, Spanish and Hmong. Please take a few minutes to complete the survey and provide us with your feedback. 
  • Next, Superintendent shared that nominations are open for the 2020 Excellence in Education Awards. Staff please help us in nominating your colleagues to be recognized. You can find the link to submit your nominations in the Employee Zone Newsletter. The deadline to nominate is Friday November 22, 2019.
  • Superintendent also shared  that Fresno Compact is currently open for nominations for their 24th Annual Shareholders Award Luncheon to he held March 4, 2020. Fresno Compact will be honoring ten outstanding businesses who have shown a great partnership with education to ensure opportunities and impact for our students in preparing for the 21st century workplace. Nominations are open until Friday November 15, 2019 at their website www.FresnoCompact.com
  • Superintendent Nelson shared that this year’s Aspiring Teacher Expo is coming up on Thursday November 14, 2019. The expo will feature Fresno Unified’s teacher pipeline programs and college and credential programs to support candidates in becoming future teachers. You can join any time between 4pm-6:30pm at the McLane High School Cafeteria.
  • Lastly, superintendent recognized the teams who put together CTE Ticket to the Future Event and School Choice Expo this week. For two days all our 8th grade students were transported to Valdez Hall to learn more about the district’s CTE Pathways and see work from current students. This year, the event was combined with the School Choice Expo to increase outreach to our parents. The exhibit included hands-on demonstration, interactive displays, high-school representatives, work vehicles, equipment and more. You can watch all that in this video.

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 No. 19-23 Advocating for College Access, Success and Equity for all Fresno Unified School District Graduates
  • Approved Amendment No. 1 to Superintendent Robert G. Nelson’s Employment Agreement Affective July 1, 2019
  • Approved Amendment to Deputy Superintendent for Administrative Services/Chief Financial Officer’s Employment Agreement effective November 7, 2019
  • Approved Amendment to Chief of Human Resources/Labor Relations Employment Agreement effective November 7, 2019
  • Approved Addendum to Independent Contractor Services Agreement with Goodfellow Occupational Therapy
  • Agreement with Guevara Arts and Leadership (pulled from agenda)
  • Approved Award of Bid 20-04, Ahwahnee Middle School Interior Lighting Upgrade
  • Approved Lightbox Collaborative, LLC Independent Contractor Services Agreement
  • Approved Positions and Adopt Job Descriptions for Laborer- Filter Changer, Laborer -Maintenance, Equipment Operator I, and Equipment Operator II.
  • Approved PPL Studio, LLC Independent Contractor Services Agreement
  • Approved Provisional Internship Permits
  • Ratified Agreement with Hewlett Foundation
  • Ratified Grant Funds for the 2019 Teacher Quality Partnership
  • Agreement with County of Fresno for Deputy Probation Officers at High Schools (pulled from agenda)
  • Ratified Purchase Orders from August 1, 2019 through August 31, 2019 – Primary Report
  • Ratified Purchase Orders from August 1, 2019 through August 31, 2019 -Supplemental Report (Board clerk Carol Mills abstain pursuant Board Bylaw 9270)

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

  • Presented and Discussed Results of Secondary Community Survey Regarding Potential 2020 Bond Measure
  • Presented and Discussed Potential Bond Investment Priorities
  • Special Education Investment Update (pulled from agenda)

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

  • Received Proposed Revisions for Board Policies

BP 3100 Budget

BP 3260 Fees and Charges

BP 3290 Gifts, Grants and Bequests

BP 3515.4 Recovery for Property Loss or Damage

  • Received Summary of Sale of 2019 General Obligation Refunding (Refinancing) Bond

The next regularly scheduled meeting of the Board of Education is Wednesday, November 20, 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

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