by David Taub

Fresno Unified superintendent Michael Hanson delivered the State of Education address to a gathered crowd at TorNino’s Monday afternoon. He highlighted the surging 83% graduation rate, but he won’t be satisfied until that is 100%. The percentage reflects 800 more graduates over 2009.

Other highlights include:
-Increasing the school day by 30 minutes at 2/3 of elementary schools
-Free SAT testing and testing during the school day
-WiFi on school buses
-More school resources officers

Hanson also praised new Fresno City College president Carole Goldsmith. Last year at this address, Hanson acknowledged his “biting” comments against former SCCCD chancellor Bill Stewart.

Also touching on Measure X, Hanson says the school bond on November’s ballot had 79% community support in a poll the district conducted. He did no

While Hanson did not address his controversial e-mail about “black and brown” students, he did touch on race during his speech. “Our campuses are the intersection of race and social class.That brings tension, but that also brings a great opportunity for us to learn and grow together.”

Video to come