The seven candidates running for the Fresno Unified School Board are in agreement over the need to improve student academic outcomes and approve the $500 million Measure H bond measure for school improvements.

GV Wire reached out to the seven who are running for three contested seats on the School Board to hear their thoughts on the district’s main issues, and why voters in the Fresno High, Hoover High, and Roosevelt High regions should elect them.

The candidates are listed in alphabetical order within their respective region.

In the Fresno High Region, incumbent Andy Levine is seeking his first full four-year term in the seat after winning a two-year short term to replace the late and longtime Trustee Carol Mills. Levine, who teaches at Fresno State, is being challenged by James Martinez, director of operations for Associated Students, Inc., at Fresno State, and parent-advocate Emma Villa, who is a credentialed teacher and administrator. Martinez opted not to seek re-election to the Fresno County School Board and instead run for the Fresno Unified seat.

Fresno High Region (central Fresno)

Andy Levine

Who are you (brief profile with age, hometown, occupation, family)?

I am Andy Levine, born and raised in Fresno. I am the current Trustee for Area 5, elected to the Fresno Unified School Board in 2022 during a special election to succeed the late Carol Mills.

I am a proud graduate of Fresno Unified. After attending UC Davis and Teachers College at Columbia University, as well as working for years for a national organization supporting principals leading high-poverty schools, in 2012 I decided to move back home to dedicate the rest of my career to creating opportunities for all children and families in Fresno to thrive.

I am the son of educators — my mom a school psychologist and my dad a professor. I now teach at Fresno State and I work with community-based organizations to tackle issues like poverty and gun violence. I am 40 years old. I live in the Fresno High area.

Why are you running for trustee?

I was elected to the board just as we were coming out of the pandemic. A lot of my focus in my first two years has been on addressing the root causes of rising chronic absenteeism, specifically the barriers that too often prevent our students from getting to school consistently and focusing on learning in the classroom. This has included building out our Community Schools from five last year to 19 this year, as well as investments in basic student needs such as transportation, food, and clothing. I’m proud that the five Community Schools last year increased student attendance at twice the rate of all other schools.

I believe Fresno Unified is on a path to significantly improved academic outcomes for our students and I am more committed than ever to helping us get there. Initiatives like our campaign to see all students able to read by the end of first grade are critical pieces to that. I and our board are committed to deep community engagement over the coming weeks to identify our top shared goals and values for Fresno Unified — and hiring a superintendent with the most proven track record of realizing those goals.

Why should people elect you?

I have spent my entire life and career in public education — raised by two educators, growing up in Fresno Unified, supporting principals leading high-poverty public schools, teaching at Fresno State, and now having had the honor of serving the past two years on the School Board. I have also spent my career bringing people of diverse backgrounds and perspectives together to stand up for our most vulnerable communities.

I am proud of the positive impact I’ve had already in two years and am more convinced than ever that we are on a path to significantly improved student outcomes in Fresno Unified.

What are the district’s top three issues, and how would you address them?

1. Getting our students to grade level in reading, writing, and math. I believe that commitments like our new “Every Child a Reader” initiative to see all of our students able to read by the end of first grade are absolutely critical to significantly improved student outcomes for all Fresno Unified students.

2. We currently have far too many disconnected goals and initiatives across the district. Over the coming weeks, our board is committed to conducting deep community listening — with students, parents, teachers, community — to identify the top “north star” goals and guardrails (values for how we want to reach those goals) for the next three to five years in Fresno Unified.

3. Hiring of our next superintendent. As the one person who the board directly oversees and holds accountable, this will likely be one of the most, if not the most, important decisions I and we will make during our time on the board. I have been in full support of a comprehensive (considering both internal and external candidates from across the country) search for the next superintendent of California’s third-largest school district. The top “north star” goals that we as a community identify should inform the track record we look for in the person we hire.

Do you support Measure H or not, and why are you in support/not in support?

I am in full support of Measure H. We have an estimated $2.5 billion in facilities needs and this proposed $500 million would go a long way towards improving our schools and facilities that are most overdue of investment. Most importantly, school facilities are important factors in our students’ experience and success with us. In just my first two years on the board, it has been inspiring to see the new schools and buildings that we have been able to open thanks to voter support for previous bonds. I can’t wait to see the new buildings and classrooms we will build over the next few years, with the support of voters for Measure H.

Wild card question: Choose a question that is not any of the above and then answer it.

Q: What is something you haven’t already mentioned that you are proud of?

A: This past March, I brought a resolution forward for my board colleagues’ consideration regarding our students’ access to a free College and Career Savings Account program from the state, called CalKIDS. CalKIDS provides all babies born since last July with an automatic $100 seed deposit in their account. It also provides at least $500 for all current first-12th grade low-income students (up to $1,500 for students who are also homeless and/or foster youth).

The reality is that means that the vast majority of our students are eligible for at least $500 and studies have shown that just that amount in savings has been proven to make students three times more likely to attend college and four times more likely to complete it.

At the time of my resolution, less than 7% of eligible students had claimed their accounts. Thanks to the unanimous support from the board, in the few months since, over 3,000 more students have claimed their accounts, almost doubling the number of enrolled students! And Fresno County is now third in the state in percentage of eligible students enrolled.

James Martinez

Who are you (brief profile with age, hometown, occupation, family)?

I am proud to call Fresno my home. Having grown up here in a single-parent, low-income household, my mother and I faced many challenges, and we often struggled with food, housing, and transportation insecurities. Despite these hardships, she always managed to make ends meet. Education was important to her, even though she only completed sixth grade, because she believed it was the key to breaking the cycle of poverty for our family. My father never graduated high school, which further motivated my mother to push me to pursue higher education to provide a better life for myself and my family.

After graduating from Fresno High in 2004, I attended Fresno City College and transferred to Fresno State, where I graduated in 2010 with a BA in political science and started my career in legislative government at the local, state, and federal level. In 2016 I applied to USC and was admitted to the Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism, earning my master’s degree in communication management in 2018. Today, I serve as the director of operations for Associated Students, Inc., at Fresno State where I advise 22 student leaders on how to participate in the shared governance of the university.

Now, at 38, I am honored to run to represent my alma mater and the community that shaped me.

Why are you running for trustee?

After lengthy discussions with community members, parents, teachers, students, and most importantly, my family, I decided to run for trustee of my alma mater, Fresno High School. This race is deeply personal to me as a proud Fresno High alum, co-parent of a Fresno Unified student, and lifelong community member. I’ve watched our district drift from its core mission — educating our students. With two-thirds of students failing to meet basic academic standards, it’s clear we’ve accepted the status quo for too long. My own child will attend Fresno High in a few short years, so I share the same concerns and urgency as other parents to get our schools back on track. My guiding principle and motivation will always be to ensure that every student has the best educational experience as possible with greatest opportunities to follow.

As I meet with alumni, I hear stories of how much Fresno High has changed, and many share immense pride for the school’s rich tradition, yet acknowledge the gap in student achievement scores, aging facilities, and safety concerns of students. Like them, I share that same pride, and understand their concerns, especially when it comes to improving student achievement outcomes and safety. I want to represent Fresno High to ensure students’ educational journeys are easier for them than mine was when I was in school. Programs like AVID and Upward Bound were critical for me, and without them, I might not have graduated high school or attended college. Too many students today are slipping through the cracks, being passed along without mastering essential skills needed for the workplace and beyond.

That’s why I’m committed to focusing on the basics — reading, writing, and math — while also expanding vocational pathways for those not bound for college. Closing the learning gap is an urgent issue and we need to get to work now with solutions.

Why should people elect you?

I hope voters will consider my candidacy because I bring a unique perspective to the role of trustee. As a working parent, I understand the challenges of raising a young student while managing a full-time job. I also share the lived experiences of over 60% of the student population who face the same challenges I did when I was in school.

As a current trustee on the Fresno County Board of Education, I’ve championed initiatives such as Universal Transitional Kindergarten to give children ages 3-4 a strong start, ensuring they are at grade level by first grade, but no later than third. I’ve worked to connect students with industry opportunities, enabling them to enter trade and vocational careers straight out of high school.

I’m committed to challenging the status quo by asking tough questions and holding the administration accountable by scrutinizing policies to ensure they align with district priorities in increasing student achievement scores, push for transparency and responsiveness from the administration, while working toward a more collaborative environment with other board members.

Supporting our teachers is also a priority. I’ll work to ensure they have the resources to teach our students, work closely with them to develop policies that will enhance the student experience in and outside the classroom, while advocating for their seat at the decision-making table. I will also hold the superintendent accountable through regular performance evaluations based on measurable goals including student test scores and work towards a more inclusive community-based decision-making process.

What are the district’s top three issues, and how would you address them?

First and foremost is the persistent student achievement gap. Despite numerous efforts by the district, significant disparities in academic performance remain. This gap disproportionately affects students from underserved communities, preventing them from reaching their full potential. We need to implement targeted interventions, provide additional resources, and engage with parents and community organizations to create a comprehensive strategy that ensures all students have the support they need to succeed.

The second major issue is the botched superintendent search. This process left many community members feeling disengaged and disregarded, as their input was not adequately considered. A transparent and inclusive process is crucial for building trust and ensuring that whoever is selected for the superintendent post reflects the values, needs, and diversity of our community. We must learn from this experience and establish mechanisms for increased community involvement in future decisions.

And third, while it is commendable that the district and the Fresno Teachers Association (FTA) reached an agreement to avoid a teachers’ strike, it should never have escalated to that point. The situation highlighted a significant breakdown in communication and collaboration between district administration and key stakeholders. Going forward, it is essential to involve the FTA and other community partners in the decision-making process from the outset. This collaborative approach will help to address issues proactively and maintain a positive working environment for our educators.

Finally, we need to return to the basics of teaching our students the essentials: reading, math, and writing. If our students are failing in these core areas, their overall academic outcomes will continue to suffer. We must prioritize these subjects, especially in elementary school and ensure that our curriculum and teaching methods are effective and that teachers have the necessary support to deliver high-quality education. Setting clear benchmarks and holding the administration accountable for meeting these standards will be key to improving student performance.

Do you support Measure H or not, and why are you in support/not in support?

Yes, I support Measure H, but there needs to be greater accountability and improvement in student performance outcomes if the district continues to ask the public for more funding. While I understand the district’s challenges, including over $2.5 billion in deferred maintenance, it’s crucial that we demonstrate to the public that their investment leads to a high-performing school district. Voters need to see tangible results to justify the additional financial burden. We must be responsible stewards of taxpayer dollars, especially considering the impact of higher property taxes on Fresno Unified homeowners.

Wild card question: Choose a question that is not any of the above and then answer it.

Q: It’s a Friday night, you are done with work, campaigning for the day, what are you doing?

A: After a long Friday of work and campaigning, I’m likely just getting home and jumping into the usual family debate about what to order for dinner as an end of the week treat — always a spirited discussion! Once we’ve settled on that, we keep the fun going by watching “Is It Cake?” on Netflix while we wait for the food to arrive.

If I’m lucky, I’ll sneak in an hour or two of some well-earned nerd time, playing Star Trek Online. I’ll be busy curating my Galaxy Class starship (USS Challenger) and preparing my fleet for the next Borg incursion into the Alpha Quadrant. May you live long and prosper!

Emma Villa

Who are you (brief profile with age, hometown, occupation, family)?

I’m Emma Villa, a longtime resident of Fresno High Area 5, a dedicated educator, mother, and advocate. I have over 20 years of experience working with diverse student populations, including neurodivergent, high-needs, at-risk, English Learners, and foster youth. My roles as an educator and administrator have given me deep insights into the challenges facing our schools. I hold a master’s in education, K-12 teaching and administrative credentials, a bachelor’s in business administration, and over 20 years in K-12 education. I am experienced in academic achievement and committed to improving student academic outcomes, particularly in literacy and math. My experience in K-12 education, advocacy, and leadership uniquely qualifies me to serve as your trustee.

Why are you running for trustee?

I’m running for trustee because I believe that every student deserves access to a high-quality education that prepares them for success, regardless of their ZIP code. Literacy is a civil right, and we need to address the critical gaps in academic achievement, particularly in literacy and math. My mission is to advocate for data-driven solutions that improve outcomes, create safe and inclusive learning environments and facilities, and ensure equitable access to all educational programs including CTE, college/career pathways, and aquatics. I’m running to bring transparency, accountability, and fiscal responsibility to the district, ensuring that resources are used effectively to support student achievement and success while promoting and supporting teachers, staff, students, and parent connections, to enhance the success and effectiveness of our educational system. I am running for trustee to bring meaningful change and to be a voice for our students, parents, and educators.

Why should people elect you?

People should elect me because I bring a unique combination of experience, passion, and a fresh perspective to the role. I’m not a career politician. My career has been dedicated to empowering students to succeed, particularly those who are often overlooked. I have a proven track record of advocating for equity, inclusion, and academic achievement, particularly in literacy and math. I am committed to creating safe, supportive environments where all students can thrive. I will listen, collaborate, and advocate fiercely for the resources our students and teachers need to thrive. I will work for policies, budgets, facilities, personnel, and resources that are aligned to district goals and priorities for academic achievement and that ensure all students receive the opportunity for the excellent, equitable education they deserve.

What are the district’s top three issues, and how would you address them?

Educational Equity: Too many students, especially those from underserved communities, are being left behind. I will fight for increased resources, targeted interventions, and policies that level the playing field for all students. I will push for evidence-based, district-wide programs to improve literacy and math outcomes. I will work to create inclusive, safe, 21st century learning facilities and equitable access to programs like aquatics, addressing disparities across the district.

Teacher Support: Our teachers are the backbone of our schools, yet many are overworked and under-resourced. I will advocate for smaller class sizes, professional development, and competitive salaries to ensure that we retain and attract the best educators.

Transparency and Fiscal Responsibility: I will advocate for responsible management of district resources, with a focus on accountability and transparency. Every dollar spent should directly benefit our students and their educational experience.

Do you support Measure H or not, and why are you in support/not in support?

I support Measure H because it is a crucial step in improving our school facilities. Our students deserve modern, safe, and accessible classrooms that foster a positive learning environment. Measure H will provide the funding necessary to repair and upgrade our facilities, addressing issues like aging infrastructure, safety hazards, and overcrowded classrooms. Investing in our schools now means investing in the future of our students and our community.

However Measure H needs to be approached thoughtfully. We must have a clear plan that prioritizes equitable, safe, and inclusive facilities across all campuses. It is unacceptable for any student to learn in environments plagued by mold, unsafe conditions, or inadequate air conditioning. Every child deserves a clean, modern, and secure space to thrive.

Improving infrastructure must also go hand-in-hand with advancing academic achievement — particularly in literacy and math. I would push for the establishment of Literacy/Math Learning Labs at schools where students are falling behind, ensuring every student has the resources to meet and exceed standards. Beyond classrooms, we need parent and community engagement centers that foster collaboration between teachers, parents, and community members, all working together to support our students.

Once these critical needs are addressed, we can then consider individual site improvements. Our investments must always focus on what directly improves student success and academic outcomes.

Wild card question: Choose a question that is not any of the above and then answer it.

Q: How will you support teachers and staff and engage parents and the community in district decision-making?

A: Teachers are the backbone of our education system. I will advocate for fair compensation and professional development opportunities to ensure teachers have the tools and resources they need to inspire and educate our students. I will also work to provide adequate instructional materials and reduce class sizes, allowing teachers to focus more on individual student needs. By supporting our educators, we ensure better outcomes for our students.

I believe in a collaborative approach to education, where parents, teachers, and the community all have a voice. If elected, I will create regular opportunities for parents and community members to engage in open dialogue with district leaders. This includes town hall meetings, online forums, and more direct communication channels. I’m committed to transparency and accountability, and I will make sure that parent, teacher, and community input plays a key role in shaping the future of our district.

Hoover High Region (northeast Fresno)

In the Hoover region, incumbent Claudia Cázares, a management analyst for the city of Clovis, is seeking her third term on the board. Her challenger is Dan Bordona, a retired Fresno Unified teacher.

Dan Bordona

Who are you (brief profile with age, hometown, occupation, family)?

I was born (Oct. 26, 1961) and raised in Fresno, attended Fresno schools, and began teaching in FUSD in 1990. I retired in August 2023, after serving 33 years as a teacher and administrator with FUSD — 10 of those years were at Hoover (2002-2008 & 2019-2023). I have returned to work at FUSD as a substitute administrator and have done volunteer work at Hoover — the public address announcer and scoreboard operator for Hoover baseball, and I assist in the snack bar at Hoover football games.

I have three adult daughters who also attended Fresno Schools.

Why are you running for trustee?

After 33 wonderful years with Fresno Unified, I still have a passion for education and want to continue serving our students, families, staff, and community. Since most of my career was spent at school sites, I understand the frustrations and needs of teachers and other site support staff. Many teachers and site personnel feel that no one on the board represents their interests and concerns.

Why should people elect you?

No current board trustee, or candidate for trustee, can match my level of experience in Fresno Unified. Since I’m retired, I can dedicate my time to serving the students, staff, and community in the Hoover region and in our greater community.

I’m passionate about education because I know it can change the future for our kids. It is the most important work we do in our society. My passion has been evidenced throughout my career and into retirement. I volunteer at Hoover and I’m still involved in school improvement efforts.

Finally, if elected I vow to never seek any other political office. I’ve been a school person my entire adult life, and it’s what I want to continue doing.

What are the district’s top three issues, and how would you address them?

Safety: It’s imperative that students and staff feel safe at school. Students cannot access higher-order thinking skills when they are not feeling safe. Our school system needs to provide a safe and civil learning environment by creating a positive climate with clear expectations for students. Additionally, more resources are needed to create single points of entry at our schools.

Student achievement: FUSD is not the only district in the state with low achievement scores. I applaud recent initiatives such as Every Child Is a Reader, and the Breakthrough Results work targeting third grade reading. However, FUSD often outsources this work to consultants. Last year the district spent approximately $160 million on consultants. Since we have seen little or no improvement, then it might be time to take a different approach.

I support using the talent we have within our district to tackle our local learning issues. Fresno’s teachers should be on the front line of setting the agenda for change, rather than be on the receiving end of another consultant-led training. Meaningful change happens at the local level. Let’s apply that principle to teaching our kids.

Fiscal responsibility: Whether it’s money spent on consultants, or overstaffing at the district office, taxpayers deserve to have their money spent wisely. All levels of government should exercise sound fiscal judgement. If elected to the board, I will always look carefully at financial expenditures.

Do you support Measure H or not, and why are you in support/not in support?

I support Measure H because many of our schools are aging and in need of modernization and repairs. However, I am concerned that FUSD has only recently started promoting the bond measure. I hope that the district and the board can finalize a plan for how the monies will be spent prior to the election. Not providing more concrete information to the public could hurt the measure at the ballot box.

Wild card question: Choose a question that is not any of the above and then answer it.

Q: Academic integrity: How much value is there with a Fresno Unified diploma?

A: The spring Smarter Balanced Assessment (SBAC) scores for 11th graders in FUSD are still lagging behind the state numbers. Approximately 45% of FUSD 11th graders met or exceeded the ELA (English language) standards, and only 15% met or exceeded math standards. With a graduation rate of 86%, the numbers just don’t add up.

To be fair, the average scores for California are not great either. The 2023 results for 11th grade came in at 55.4% meeting or exceeding standards for ELA, and a dismal 27.4% score for math.

I believe the diploma is further devalued by the overuse of the online credit recovery program, Edgenuity. FUSD should limit the number of credits a student can earn towards graduation via Edgenuity.

Rather than lower standards to improve graduation numbers, we owe it to our kids and our community to raise expectations and then provide students with the supports to meet those expectations.

Claudia Cázares

Who are you (brief profile with age, hometown, occupation, family)?

I’m Claudia Cázares, a local Community Development professional, proud mother of three Fresno Unified Students (two graduates), loving wife to my husband of 27 years, and a 24-year resident of the Hoover High School neighborhood in Fresno. Born in the Salinas Valley, raised in Central California, and graduated from UC Berkeley with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, I understand completely the importance of a high-quality public education. I have worked in both the private and public sectors for over 24 years managing affordable housing, development, and community development programs and projects. I have served as the trustee for the Hoover region for the last eight years, have been a baseball mom, served on boards of local nonprofits, and participate in the Alumni Scholarship Review team of UC Berkeley.

Why are you running for trustee?

As an FUSD parent and trustee, I have personally observed the best the district can provide but also the areas that need improvement. I have concentrated my efforts in ensuring equitable access to quality education across the district, including expanding CTE and college credit courses in high school, adding dual immersion programs, lowering class sizes, adding psychologists, counselors and vice principals, repairing dilapidated buildings, and increasing access to music and arts education. I am also acutely aware that the district still has much to do. I am committed to a community driven goals/values setting process to guide our superintendent search. This process will guide district programming and decision-making to ensure our students improve test scores, can read by the end of first grade, and we graduate college and/or career ready graduates. I am running for trustee because I am ready to meet these challenges head-on and continue providing the best services for our children.

Why should people elect you?

I believe voters in the Hoover region, Area 6, should elect me because I have been able to consistently provide for many improvements to the district over the last eight years. Under my tenure, I diligently worked in part on the following: added school psychologists and nurses at each school site, added counselors and vice principals to provide adequate services to students, exponentially added dual enrollment and CTE courses district-wide, assisted in the partnership with CSUF that grew into a guaranteed college acceptance program (“Bulldog Bound”), and added new weight rooms at all high schools. During the next four years I plan to expand our programs to include the Aviation Academy and Agricultural Academy, grow our partnership with CSUF and other local colleges, push for a new administration building at Hoover High, add additional CTE and college courses, continue ensuring the District’s fiscal stability, and ensure staff is respected and fairly paid.

What are the district’s top three issues, and how would you address them?

Test Scores: The district is currently directly addressing the need to improve test scores at all grade levels. I will address this issue through the implementation of the Literacy Initiative, implementing return-on-investment analysis on contracts, funding and supporting programs such as “9th Grade On-Track,” and setting goals for test scores growth — and holding the superintendent accountable to reaching those goals.

Failing buildings: The district continues to have failing buildings and need for new buildings. Taxpayers have approved bond funding to assist in meeting facilities’ needs, but every year there are new needs uncovered. I will continue to prioritize the highest need areas for facility funding to ensure all of our regions provide for a safe and healthy facility for our students to learn, and I will provide my support of new bond financing.

Safety: Children can only learn, and teachers can only teach in a safe environment. I will continue to prioritize safety at our campuses. I will provide for an outreach program and incorporate staff, parent, and community involvement in the crafting of safety plans that will maximize our community safety resources to ensure our campuses are some of the safest in the state.

Do you support Measure H or not, and why are you in support/not in support?

I support Measure H because the district clearly has the need to continue to improve facilities districtwide. There is currently a need for $2.5 billion for facilities improvements, but it is unrealistic and fiscally unsustainable to request such a large amount from out taxpayers. Our best option is the Measure H bond, which will continue to provide bond revenues for improvements most desperately needed. The district is addressing aging buildings, deferred maintenance, classroom overcrowding, improvements for sports, needs for infrastructure improvements, and needs for new CTE programming facilities. With the approval of Measure H, Fresno taxpayers will allow the district to continue with these improvements, and they can also be assured the utilization of these bond funds is fiscally prudent and at low lending costs due to the district credit rating.

Wild card question: Choose a question that is not any of the above and then answer it.

Q: How does your career and job experience make you a better trustee?

A: I believe my experience as a 20+-year community development professional offers a differing perspective on the Board of Trustees that can only be provided by a longtime resident and community member. Though I have also been a district parent and have first-hand experience with the educational opportunities and needs available to our students, I believe that my proficiency, skills, and established community partnerships that I bring to the board are unique and ideal for building a stronger district. I will also continue to ensure programs and initiatives are implemented and analyzed through the lens of fiscal sustainability, community partnership building, and funding/program optimization.

Roosevelt High Region (central Fresno)

In the Roosevelt region, incumbent Elizabeth Jonasson Rosas, deputy general manager-external affairs for the Westlands Water District, is seeking her third term. Her challenger is Joseph Aquino, a Fresno State political science student and former Fresno Unified student trustee.

Joseph Aquino

Who are you (brief profile with age, hometown, occupation, family)?

I’m Joseph Aquino, a 19-year-old Fresno native and a first-generation college student currently studying political science at Fresno State. I’ve spent my life in Fresno, attending and graduating from Fresno Unified schools. My commitment to the district runs deep, having served as a Student Board Member on Fresno Unified’s Board of Education in 2022, where I represented over 72,000 students. I’ve worked with the Foundation for Fresno Unified Schools, spearheading mental health initiatives and increasing scholarship awareness. I’m running for Fresno Unified School Board because I believe our students deserve a champion who will fight for their future.

Why are you running for trustee?

I’m running for trustee because students in the Roosevelt area have been underserved for far too long. Area 2 has seen the lowest academic performance in the district and a lack of representation for 7.5 years, our kids have been receiving the bare minimum. Enough is enough. I’m stepping up to ensure that the students in this area get the resources and attention they need to succeed. I’ve seen firsthand the challenges they face, and I’m committed to fighting for better opportunities, stronger mental health support, and a true focus on academics that will lift our students up.

Why should people elect you?

People should elect me because I’m not just another candidate — I’m someone who’s lived the Fresno Unified experience. From serving on the Board of Education as a Student Board Member to working in classrooms with first through third graders, I understand what’s at stake. My campaign is focused on real, actionable change: improving mental health support, raising math and literacy performance, and increasing the graduation rates for English language learners. I’m committed to transparency, equity, and making sure every student in Area 2 has the opportunity to thrive.

What are the district’s top three issues, and how would you address them?

The top three issues in Fresno Unified are mental health, academic performance in math and literacy, and increasing the graduation rate for English language learners. I would address mental health by advocating for increased funding for on-campus counselors and creating districtwide mental health initiatives. To improve math and literacy performance, I will push for evidence-based programs and smaller class sizes to allow for more individualized attention. For English language learners, I will fight for tailored support and mentorship programs to ensure their success and increase graduation rates.

Do you support Measure H or not, and why are you in support/not in support?

I support Measure H because Fresno Unified schools need funding to address critical infrastructure and resource shortages. However, I believe the district must allocate the funds transparently, ensuring that the money goes to the areas of greatest need, including improving the academic performance of Area 2. We must ensure that every dollar from this $500 million bond is used wisely to uplift our students and create safer, more effective learning environments.

Wild card question: Choose a question that is not any of the above and then answer it.

Q: How will you improve special education services in FUSD?

A: Special education services in Fresno Unified need more attention and funding to ensure every student has equal access to quality education. I would advocate for increasing special education resources, including more trained staff, specialized programs, and better support for parents. Our students with disabilities deserve individualized attention, and by investing in special education, we can ensure they have the tools and opportunities they need to succeed academically and personally.

Elizabeth Jonasson Rosas

Who are you (brief profile with age, hometown, occupation, family)?

40 years old, Fresno, Deputy General Manager, Westlands Water District, married, 1 son, 2 cats, 1 dog.

Why are you running for trustee?

I’m running because while we have accomplished a lot over the past 7.5 years, there is still a lot more to accomplish on behalf of our students. We have had some great successes investing and expanding programs and services for our students and families. These include career and technical education, mental and physical health supports, dual immersion and dual enrollment expansion, facilities improvements, increase in parent/guardian involvement amongst many others. And while our system works well for a lot of students, we know that we still have a long way to go to ensure that each student is equipped with the knowledge they will need to succeed after they leave our system. In my next term I will work to focus our district on addressing the achievement gaps so we can remain true to the promise of public education.

Why should people elect you?

I have a demonstrated track record of getting things done for the students and families of the district. I am accessible and available to help, whether it’s my constituents or parents, students, and staff of the district, they know they can count on me to listen and actively engage on their behalf. I firmly believe that public education is the building block of our society, the foundation for students to achieve their full potential regardless of their current circumstances. As such I will continue to advocate so that each student has what they need to be successful.

What are the district’s top three issues, and how would you address them?

Currently:

1. Academic achievement: Focusing our goals on achieving academic success for students. It’ll take a concerted effort to align our resources to our academic goals, an effort that’s necessary if we are to improve the outcomes of our kids.

2. Budget: We are in a period of contraction after almost eight years of steady budget increases. While resources constraints are a challenge, they are also a long-term reality and present an opportunity to evaluate where we spend our money and ensure that we are maximizing every dollar. I have been a champion for metrics and accountability, and we are now on the path of evaluating our programmatic expenditures based on an academic return on investment.

Do you support Measure H or not, and why are you in support/not in support?

We have about $3 billion worth of facilities needs and desires. Before us and the voters is a bond that asks for $500,000,000. Many of our schools were built before the 1970’s. And while we have invested in maintaining our schools over the years, with the support of our community, our funds have not kept up with the needs. Our schools need the funds. Our students and staff deserve to have facilities conducive to learning.

We know however, that the needs are not dispersed equally throughout the district. Some schools are in better shape than others, as evidenced in the districtwide facilities assessment. We’ve also as a board invested in a tool that took into account the specifics of each school and factored those in to assess the relative impact of investments intended to shape the project priority list. We need to make sure we are making decisions to spend our very limited funds based on objective tools on behalf of all of our 70,000 students and 10,000 staff.

Wild card question: Choose a question that is not any of the above and then answer it.

It has been an honor to represent the residents of my district and the entire Fresno Unified family and I humbly ask for your support to continue in this role. I take my job as your representative seriously as I know that the decisions I make will affect not only my and your family, but our entire community. You entrust us with your kids, for us to do everything we can to ensure that they learn all that they need to learn. That trust is sacred, and I will continue to honor it.