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GV Wire exclusive: Hanson on stepping down from FUSD
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By David Taub, Senior Reporter
Published 8 years ago on
December 12, 2016

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Fresno Unified Superintendent Michael Hanson announced today he will step away from the position he’s held since 2005, planning to leave in August 2017. Hanson tells GV Wire in an interview that he wants to hand off the district while things are going well.

“I’ve done this work for 12 years, which is pretty significant,” Hanson says. He also mentioned the timing coincides with his children’s educational progress. One is in college, one will graduate from Edison High School in the spring and his youngest will finish sixth grade.

“Those transition points weighed heavily for my wife and I. Primarily though, the work of the district is going very well. I didn’t feel I would be abandoning ship, so to speak.”

Hanson cited academic success, a robust budget, access for all students, new school construction, and collaboration with the City of Fresno and other community groups as some of his achievements.

“It’s a good time to go, if I’m going to go,” Hanson responded whether he was leaving while on top.

Hanson does not have immediate post-Fresno Unified plans. He plans to discuss with his wife his future during the winter break. He said he was not interested in the vacant superintendent job in the Oakland Unified School District.

“I don’t see myself jumping from Fresno Unified to another superintendency immediately. I don’t rule out doing another superintendency at all,” Hanson said.

Hanson has had his detractors over the years over construction spending. The district is currently under FBI investigation for its controversial lease-leaseback system. He tells GV Wire he has put that issue behind him.

“The only person who talks about it is one of my board members,” Hanson said. Hanson went on to say the issue hasn’t crossed his mind. “When I don’t hear anything in over a year and a half, I consider the matter closed.”

As far as advice in picking the next Fresno Unified superintendent, Hanson recommends: someone who has some urgency in serving all students; someone who is willing to make hard calls in pursuit of serving all students; and to make sure the money invested is going to the right places.

“It is an awesome job. It is a complicated job. It is a difficult job. But it is one I wouldn’t trade for the world. They need to look for someone who really has a fire in the belly who has an advocacy for youth. ”

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David Taub,
Senior Reporter
Curiosity drives David Taub. The award-winning journalist might be shy, but feels mighty with a recorder in his hand. He doesn't see it his job to "hold public officials accountable," but does see it to provide readers (and voters) the information needed to make intelligent choices. Taub has been honored with several writing awards from the California News Publishers Association. He's just happy to have his stories read. Joining GV Wire in 2016, Taub covers politics, government and elections, mainly in the Fresno/Clovis area. He also writes columns about local eateries (Appetite for Fresno), pro wrestling (Off the Bottom Rope), and media (Media Man). Prior to joining the online news source, Taub worked as a radio producer for KMJ and PowerTalk 96.7 in Fresno. He also worked as an assignment editor for KCOY-TV in Santa Maria, California, and KSEE-TV in Fresno. He has also worked behind the scenes for several sports broadcasts, including the NCAA basketball tournament, and the Super Bowl. When not spending time with his family, Taub loves to officially score Fresno Grizzlies games. Growing up in the San Francisco Bay Area, Taub is a die-hard Giants and 49ers fan. He graduated from the University of Michigan with dual degrees in communications and political science. Go Blue! You can contact David at 559-492-4037 or at Send an Email

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