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A Congenial Fresno Unified Debate to Replace Ashjian
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By David Taub, Senior Reporter
Published 6 years ago on
September 26, 2018

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The four candidates hoping to succeed Brooke Ashjian to represent the Bullard High School region on the Fresno Unified school board debated congenially Tuesday (Sept. 26) night.

Brooke Ashjian
In the one-hour forum, no one yelled or screamed at each other. The four candidates had ample time to answer questions from moderator Bill McEwen, GV Wire’s news director.
Things were so copacetic, that afterward, candidates engaged in handshakes, hugs, and smiles after sharing views on taxes, school safety, and Measure X spending, among many topics.
Terri Edwards kibitzed with the wife and daughter of one of her opponents, Terry Slatic.
Nasreen Johnson, a publicist for Fresno EOC, and Amanda Karabian, a self-described mom, joined Edwards, an administrator with the Parents University program at Fresno Unified and Slatic, a retired Marine Corps officer and business executive.
The four are seeking to replace Ashjian, who opted not to run for re-election. He has endorsed Slatic.

Parcel Tax


“Whatever is going to create situations that will help our kids is worth it.”candidate Terri Edwards
All somewhat supported a potential parcel tax.
“If it is in fact passed, it lends some options achieving the things we all believe,” Slatic said. But, he followed that how to spend the money is a different topic.
Edwards hoped any proceeds could help reduce class size.
“Whatever is going to create situations that will help our kids is worth it,” Edwards said.
Johnson recognized the need for more funding, but wants to examine the current budget first before seeking a new tax.
Karabian agreed about reducing class size and looking at the budget first.

Measure X


Amanda Karabian would engage the voters, by meeting with them at school sites to learn what the needs are.
Johnson said she is anxious to how the district will spend  Measure X funds, the $225 million bond measure passed by Fresno Unified voters in 2016 for capital projects.
She wants to spend such funds to positively impact the kids.
Karabian would engage the voters, by meeting with them at school sites to learn what the needs are.
Slatic questioned the district philosophy on spending the money on the worst facilities first, wondering what the definition of “worst” is.
“Is worst simply age? Is worst simply that this roof has dry rot? I’m not satisfied that there are inspections going on,” Slatic said. He also called for the district to establish a building plan.
Edwards said that the district needs to distribute money in an equitable manner.
“What do students really need? Equal would be they all have the same thing. But maybe they don’t need the same thing … we have to look at equity versus equality.” she said.

School Safety


“If (a parcel tax) is in fact passed, it lends some options achieving the things we all believe.”candidate Terry Slatic.
Slatic said he was not satisfied with the safety arrangements at Fresno Unified. He said a student was expelled from Bullard High School last year for making a death threat against one of his children.
He noted that the ShotSpotter gunshot detection program is not near Bullard.
However, other candidates showed lukewarm support for expanding ShotSpotter.
Edwards felt ShotSpotter is just one of the safety measures the district should take, including active shooter training.

“(ShotSpotter) is only helpful after shots are fired.”candidate Nasreen Johnson
Johnson called for all kinds of improved safety, including on buses. She mentioned her daughter was in a school bus accident recently.
“(ShotSpotter) is only helpful after shots are fired,” she said. Johnson suggested additional security and mental health services.
Karabian wants to bring more people to the table to decide what safety upgrades might be needed.
GV Wire along with CMAC hosted the Area 7 debate, as well as debates for the three other Fresno Unified seats up for election.

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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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