The October 11, 2017 meeting of the Board of Education began with the following announcements out of Closed Session. 

  • Took action on a workers compensation case

Next, Eddie Vasquez, a grandparent who has had a positive impact at Norseman Elementary School, led the Pledge of Allegiance.

The Board of Education approved the minutes from the June 27, 2017 and August 3, 2017 special meetings.

Next, students Abraham Hernandez and Kayla Gomez from Design Science Middle College High School thanked trustees De La Cerda, Johnson and trustee liaison Michele Rodriguez for attending their SAB meeting and encouraging the students to enjoy high school and finish the year strong.  The students asked questions about the district’s negotiations with the Fresno Teachers Association and how a potential teacher strike would affect their grades, homework, course credit and more.  The students also shared some exciting news from Design Science including that all seniors have completed their UC applications and are currently working to finish CSU and Common Apps before November 1st.  The school also had its first college admittance of the year to Grand Canyon University.  Students enjoyed college week, where various universities and institutions visited campus and talked with students. Freshman and sophomore classes are organizing the school’s first dance and last week, the students enjoyed having a guest speaker, former NFL player for the Indianapolis Colts, Shawn Harper, who inspired students to work through hard times to find success.  Students from Wawona School also shared with the board the activities they participate in and why love attending Wawona.

Next, the Board of Education adopted a resolution recognizing the month of October as National Cyber Security Awareness Month.

The Board of Education also adopted a resolution recognizing the month of October as LGBT History Month.

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

  • Thanked Murray and Francine Farber for donating $100,000 last year to support a play produced by Good Company Players for all fifth graders in the district and for providing another donation to cover the cost of this year’s production.
  • Thanked the Board of Education for passing a resolution proclaiming October 2017 LGBT History Month.  Fresno Unified firmly believes students and staff perform best in an environment where tolerance, diversity and inclusiveness are practiced and valued.  Monday, Nelson met with local LGBTQ leaders to share the district’s LGBTQ outreach plan and gather feedback.  The outreach plan includes professional development for staff, additional supports for students and continued collaboration with community leaders to ensure all students have a safe and supportive educational environment.
  • Shared that recently, seventh grade Scandinavian Middle School student Adrian Antunez died in a tragic accident.  Following his death, one of the most surprising gifts came from a Clovis police officer who pulled Scandinavian Vice Principal Summer Gaston-Gehris over as she drove to buy a gift card for Adrian’s mom.  Instead of issuing a ticket, the officer provided a cash donation after hearing what Gaston-Gehris was going to do.   He then came back the following day with an envelope of $300 collected to by members of the Clovis Police Department. Fresno Police Department officers assigned to Scandinavian also raised money to provide a gift card to the family and Lifetouch photography created a photo package for the family.
  • Thanked Big James Henderson, former weight lift champion, for bringing smiles and inspiring messaged to students at Heaton Elementary School. 
  • Informed the public about the up-coming district-wide School Choice Expo which showcases all school options and highlights career technical education (CTE) pathways at each high school.  The event is important for families who may be looking for a different school option for the 2018-19 school year.  The School Choice Expo is on Tuesday, October 24 from 5  – 7 p.m. at Duncan Polytechnical High School.

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 agreement with Health Management Systems, Inc.
  • Approved independent contractor services agreement with Good Company Players
  • Approved award of request for proposal 17-21, U.S. Communities Cleaning Supplies, Equipment and Custodial Related Product Services and Solutions
  • Denied Claim #17-0526-0189
  • Ratified amended agreement between Fresno Unified School District and State Center Community College District for Adult Education Consortium Staff Reimbursement of Costs
  • Ratified Cooperation and Shared Responsibility Agreement with Fresno County Superintendent of Schools
  • Ratified Change Orders and Filing of Notice of Completion for the Project Listed Below
    • Bid 17-23A-H, Exterior Painting at 16 Campuses

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

  • Discussed censure and/or removal as President of the Board, Mr. Brooke Ashjian

The next regularly scheduled meeting of the Board of Education is Wednesday, October 25, 2017 at 5:30 p.m. 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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