The five candidates seeking election to the Clovis Unified School Board all strike common themes: Maintaining the district’s legacy of excellence, supporting the $400 million Measure A bond measure, keeping students safe and schools secure.

Four seats are up for election in the Clovis Unified School Board, but only two are contested. Incumbents Dr. Steven Fogg and Yolanda Moore are running unopposed in Areas 5 and 7.

GV Wire reached out to the five candidates running for the Areas 2 and 4 seats to hear their thoughts on the main issues, their stand on the $400 million Measure A bond measure, and to learn about their backgrounds, why they are running for office, and why voters should elect them.

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

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Area 2 (northeast Fresno and north Clovis)

In Area 2, author Molly DeFrank hopes to replace her husband David, who decided not to seek reelection. She might not be the candidate with the most name recognition. Retired teacher Janet Kardashian and Wilma Tom Hashimoto, executive director of CASA of Fresno and Madera Counties, also are vying for voter support.

Molly DeFrank

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

I’m a 40-year-old mom to six Clovis Unified students, from second grade through high school. I’m also an author. My books help parents connect with their kids. I wrote “Digital Detox: The Two-Week Tech Reset for Kids,” which helps families break free from digital device addiction. My next book, “Mothering Boys,” releases next summer. I previously worked as a press aide and spokesperson for California statewide elected officials. In 2011, I quit my full-time paid job to stay home and focus on raising my kids. We had four biological kids, then became foster parents and added two more kids to our family through adoption. I grew up in Simi Valley, studied International Relations at UC Davis, and have lived here in Area 2 since 2010. I met my husband at UC Davis, where he was constantly talking about how wonderful his hometown was. I visited and promptly agreed. I can’t imagine raising a family anywhere else. The people, schools, and opportunities in the Valley are top notch. I love our community.

Why are you running for trustee?

My kids spend seven hours a day in Clovis schools, so you can know that I care deeply about the continued excellence of our district. I am completely invested in the continued success of our schools. I’ve seen our Clovis schools from many angles. As foster parents, we have welcomed a lot of kids into our home for short and long periods of time. My husband and I have parented kids with a wide range of abilities and behaviors. No matter the student, I’ve seen teachers, administrators, therapists, coaches, and psychologists come alongside kids to help every child achieve their best. What we have in Clovis is special, and I want to help protect that. I am running to give back to the district that has given our family so much. We need strong, discerning leaders who have skin in the game and a finger on the pulse of parents and families.

Why should people elect you?

As a mom, former foster mom, and author on parenting issues, I care deeply about helping families flourish. Fresno, Clovis, and Friant families can trust that I will advocate for their kids just as I advocate for mine. If you’re voting in this election and are just hearing about me for the first time, I’d like you to know that I’ve earned endorsements from many leaders in our community, from across both sides of the aisle — because it’s not about politics, it’s about what’s best for kids. My endorsements include Mayor Jerry Dyer, Sheriff John Zanoni, Congressman Vince Fong, Fresno County Supervisor Nathan Magsig, retired Fresno County Supervisor Debbie Poochigian, Assemblyman Jim Patterson, Fresno City Councilmember Mike Karbassi, Clovis City Councilmembers Diane Pearce, Matt Basgall, and Drew Bessinger, James Fugman, retired Clovis Unified Superintendents Dr. Terry Bradley, and Dr. Eimear O’Brien, retired Clovis School Board Members Ginny Hovsepian, Sandy Budd, Jim Van Volkinburg, Pat Ricchiuti, current members Tiffany Stoker-Madsen, Dr. Steven Fogg, Deena Combs-Flores, Clint Olivier, and of course, my husband and current board member David DeFrank.

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

1. Academic excellence. Like all school districts, Clovis is still recovering from lost learning when schools were shut down by the state during COVID. Thanks to our phenomenal teachers and administrators, we are making gains to close that gap. We must continue these efforts.

2. Protecting Clovis from outside influences. Clovis excellence is unique, and Sacramento’s values are not our values. CUSD is driven by what is best for kids. I will fight to protect what we have in Clovis Unified. Our schools belong to our community, not to outside groups angling for control or funding from our schools.

3. Navigate special education programs lacking federal funding support. The federal government requires the district to provide costly programs, without providing sufficient funding for those programs. Clovis Unified receives $2,000 less per pupil per year than the Fresno County average. We must advocate for our special education families while lobbying for the funding we need to serve them.

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

I absolutely support Measure A. The measure does not raise taxes, and we need it to finish building Clovis South High School, and to update and build schools in our rapidly growing district. Some of our schools are 40 to 80 years old and need repairs. Measure A simply extends the current property tax rate that has been in effect since 2012. (This rate is lower than what Fresno, Central, and Sanger residents pay.)

Clovis Unified may be one of the only government entities I trust with my tax dollars. Because of a record of responsible financial stewardship, CUSD holds the best credit ranking among California’s 20 largest public school districts. A group of independent citizens will monitor the district’s use of the funding through yearly audits and annual reports. The district constantly does more with less. Our community needs Measure A to pass so that we can continue to support our growing district.

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

Q: What do you do for fun?

A: I love living in a place that offers so many options for dining, adventuring, family and date night fun. You can find me and my husband on weekly date nights around town at Starving Artist Bistro, Heirloom, Annex Kitchen, or Five. We spend a lot of time as a family enjoying our kids’ sporting events. This fall, we’re cheering along the sidelines at soccer games, tennis matches, and cross country meets. One fun family outing recently was at Good Dirt Pottery, painting and creating together. We are frequent visitors to the Woodward Park library and often enjoy the events they host for kids. You can find us at The Well Community Church on Sunday mornings, where we’ve found a great community since 2010.

Wilma Tom Hashimoto

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

My name is Wilma Tom Hashimoto. I am 62 years young, a native of Fresno, and the proud parent of a Clovis Unified graduate. I have a degree in business administration from the University of Southern California and a master’s degree in education administration & supervision from CSU, Fresno.

From the classroom to the California Department of Education to elected officials, I have dedicated the majority of my career to advocating for children and youth. I started as a classroom teacher in Clovis Unified School District and later expanded the district’s early learning program. After 18 years with CUSD, I was recruited by Fresno County Superintendent of Schools Larry Powell to be the director of early care of education, giving me an opportunity to work with community leaders across the county and state. Then in 2018, after serving on the board of CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) of Fresno and Madera Counties, I became the agency’s executive director where I have the privilege of advocating for local children and youth in foster care.

I am deeply committed to making a positive impact on the lives of our community’s children and families. As such, I have proudly served on the boards of Fresno Chaffee Zoo (current), San Joaquin River Parkway Trust and Stone Soup Fresno, and was a commissioner for First 5 Fresno County.

Why are you running for trustee?

Very simply, I care about kids and want to sustain and build upon Clovis Unified’s history — a legacy of excellence. I was hired by CUSD founding superintendent Doc Buchanan who developed the model of a stellar school district and will apply these principles to address the challenges of our ever-changing world of education while ensuring that we are meeting the needs of our students, parents. and educators. As the executive director for CASA, I am keenly aware of the issues facing our children and youth today and will use my position on the board to advocate for their best interests while preserving and protecting the Clovis Unified tradition.

Why should people elect you?

For more than 34 years, I have been dedicated to caring for and nurturing the hearts and minds of children from all walks of life through my roles as an educator, administrator, advocate for foster youth, and as a leader in the community. With my depth and breadth of experience — and as a parent of a Clovis Unified graduate — I feel I am uniquely qualified to understand the diverse perspectives of our educators, students, and families and am committed to listening and balancing their input with the values and vision of the district so we can continue its legacy of excellence and most importantly, ensure that every decision we make is in the best interest of our students. If elected to represent Area 2, I pledge to be guided by my north star: our children.

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

1. Safety and security in schools: As the recent school shooting in Georgia reminds us, Clovis Unified, like all school districts nationwide, must continue to prioritize the physical and emotional safety of our students and staff. This includes having strong safety protocols in place, enhancing campus security measures, conducting regular safety drills, and investing in mental health resources to identify and prevent potential risks before they escalate.

2. Recruitment and retention of quality educators: Teachers are the backbone of student success, so we need to focus on recruiting and retaining stellar staff. This means offering competitive salaries and benefits, providing professional development opportunities, and creating a supportive work environment where educators feel valued.

3. Equity and access to resources: Clovis Unified has a reputation for academic excellence, but our communities are continuing to evolve and become more diverse. It is important for us to keep a pulse on the needs of our children and families so we can ensure that all students, regardless of their background, have equal access to educational opportunities. In order for all students to thrive, we need to address disparities in access to advanced courses, extracurricular activities, technology, and mental health support, as well as ensuring that students with special needs or English language learners are receiving the support they need to realize their full potential.

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

I strongly support Measure A. History has proven that great things can be accomplished on behalf of our students and schools with these additional funds. This includes building new schools to accommodate the district’s growing student population, as well as retrofitting older schools with the infrastructure needed to maintain the district’s commitment to providing a first-rate education for ALL CUSD students.

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

Q: Once elected in November, what three things will you do to be ready to take office in January 2025?

A: Meet with Superintendent Dr. Corrine Folmer and key administrators to discuss the strengths and areas to be addressed not only in Area 2 but across the district. As a trustee, I will work collaboratively with my fellow board members to support the district as whole. I plan to meet with current board members to discuss their top priorities and their plans for addressing them. I will also meet with the current Area 2 board member to ensure a smooth handoff so there is continuity in addressing parent and district priorities.

Read prior board minutes, CUSD board member handbook and again review district reports such as strategic plan, impact report and LCAP report.

Contact Area 2 site administrators to introduce myself and schedule a convenient time to visit the school site and meet staff. It is important to me that the sites and staff I represent know who I am and are comfortable sharing with me any issues, concerns, or compliments that they wish to have conveyed to the board.

Janet Kardashian

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

My name is Janet Kardashian. I am a happily married wife, mother to three beautiful children, and grandmother to six wonderful grandchildren, two of which currently attend Clovis Unified schools. I was born and raised in Fresno. After graduating from Fresno High School, I studied at UCLA, followed by earning a teaching credential from Fresno State. I come from a family deeply rooted in education. My cousin is Steve Magarian, a former Fresno County Sheriff. Fifty-five years ago my life took a monumental turn. I received my first teaching contract from my mentor, Dr. Floyd Buchanan, founding superintendent of Clovis Unified School District. Shortly thereafter I married my husband, Varus Kardashian. Clovis Unified has been part of our family ever since, cementing our legacy in the district when Varus became a founding father of the Foundation for Clovis Schools. Throughout the past five decades, I have actively been involved with teaching all grades and subjects, including special education. With pride, passion, tenacity, and perseverance I have proudly dedicated my life to educating students to reach their full potential, have choices in life, experience high academic success, and become lifelong learners!

Why are you running for trustee?

There are many significant reasons why I am running for trustee, and they all revolve around making decisions that are best for all students. We live in some challenging times, and our Clovis Unified students are looking to us to lead for generations to come. I’m not only passionate, but I strongly feel it’s my duty to contribute my expertise, wisdom, and heartfelt commitment to enhance education during this pivotal time. Clovis Unified has helped mold my educational values, along with those of my family. Running for trustee provides me with additional opportunities to continue my quest in providing more and greater educational experiences for all students. It would be my honor and privilege to serve on the governing board by sharing my valuable experiences to aspire to achieve more accomplishments! Our district, our parents, our students, our educators, and our entire community deserve to have the best decision-makers at the table, and I am the most qualified to be that person!

Why should people elect you?

There’s a reason why I was named the most motivational educator in the district. My dedication and support of all our students, parents and educators have never wavered. I’m still at the top of my game to help build our leaders of tomorrow. I’m the only candidate who has consistently been a problem-solver for students, parents and educators for over five decades. I will be a board member for all, available, approachable, and ready to serve. I will be accessible and responsive to the constituents and their concerns. There is no limit to how much time, energy, attention, and commitment to serving the students, parents, employees, and the community I will gladly and eagerly devote to serving on the governing board. I look forward to being “hands on” by interacting with students, parents, employees, and the community when I visit schools in the district. If elected, I will be dedicating every moment of my day to help our district and the community maintain the Clovis way of life in and out of the classroom.

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

Our issues are not unique, but we are unique in how Clovis Unified is known as one of the safest districts in the state, if not the country. Coming from a family of law enforcement, fostering and enhancing a safe learning environment is at the top of my list. The Clovis Unified School District has always made school safety a priority and consider it to be a vital part of a student’s educational experience. Recognizing the importance of school safety is paramount, and safety measures, together with law enforcement are ongoing. Another issue is to make sure we continue to bring transparency to our educators, students, and parents on how to protect everyone against the epidemic of fentanyl. We need to increase awareness and education efforts with our students, parents, employees, and the community. The school district needs to work with our community partners, including law enforcement and city leaders to stop this epidemic! A third concern is to continue to focus on best practices that lead to higher academic achievements for all students. My goal is to continue the legacy of Clovis Unified for excellence in education by turning our students into taxpayers, not tax users. I have a positive history of being a change agent for students in all grades and subjects, including special education, to reach their goals of high academic achievement. My campaign is built on one word, BELIEVE! Building Excellence on a Legacy Involving Everyone to Value Education!

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

Yes, I definitely support Measure A. It is fiscally responsible. Current tax rates will NOT increase. More importantly, this will provide the necessary upgrades to facilities keeping safety and healthy learning environments on the cutting edge for students and will ultimately be a recruiting tool for the best educators. It also eases the concern of significant growth in the district while modernizing the educational experience.

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

Q: If elected, what will be your first action on the board?

A: My first action is something I have been doing for the last 55 years. I shall continue to mentor and educate our students, have open dialogue with parents and teachers, and be a good listener to their concerns. I want to be a problem-solver. I want to be a uniter, not a divider. I have a vast array of diverse experiences as a teacher in Clovis Unified for five decades. I am a proud employee who knows, understands, respects, and admires the history of the past, the reality of the present, and a supporter for the future! Clovis Unified School District is an esteemed, award-winning benchmark in education. It will be a new lesson national plan for me, which I will master with excellence because I was trained in Clovis Unified, and I am the most highly qualified candidate for serving on the governing board, Area 2.

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Area 4 (east Clovis)

In Area 4, incumbent Hugh Awtrey, who works for DiBuduo & DeFendis Insurance Brokers, is seeking his second full-term on the board. His opponent is Gina Vue, owner of Innovating Minds ABA, LLC.

Hugh Awtrey

Did not initially respond to Q&A. His answers were added after the original story published.

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

I was born in Fresno and moved to Clovis with my mother, father, and two siblings at the age of 6. I have lived in Clovis for 53 years. My father was a local businessman in Clovis, and my mother was a kindergarten teacher at Fort Washington Elementary in Clovis Unified. I am married to Suzanne who has been teaching for over 30 years and is currently a first-grade teacher. I have four children, three daughters and a son, who are all Clovis Unified alum. I have been an insurance broker for over 40 years.

Why are you running for trustee?

As a product of the Clovis Unified School District, I have benefitted over my life from the quality of education I received and have watched my four children experience that same quality over the course of their education. I want to be sure that students from all walks of life will continue to be able to participate in the high level of activities and services that my family and I have enjoyed.

Why should people elect you?

I have a long history in Clovis Unified which provides me with a unique perspective. After attending Clovis schools, I began to serve within the district by volunteering and coaching for many years. I am currently the president of the governing board and prior to my nearly six years on the board, I served for 12 years as a director on the Foundation for Clovis Schools, serving half that time as the chair. Being part of the Foundation gave me insight into important issues within the district such as school funding and the need for maintaining our facilities. Colored by my mother’s career as a Clovis teacher and my wife’s 30 years educating local children, I have great perspective of our district’s needs to help our teachers deliver the highest quality education to our kids. Lastly, over my 4½-year tenure on our governing board, I helped quickly and safely get our children back into the classroom to ensure we could close learning gaps from a once-in-a-century pandemic. All this experience gives me the distinct knowledge and skill set to keep up the fight for excellence in Clovis Unified schools.

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

The district’s top issue is safety for all students. In the last few years we have made significant improvements with classroom doors now being locked, and the district is currently installing a system where all unmanned doors at a site are able to be locked with the push of a button. We must continually be evaluating our schools for maximum safety for our children as technology and social issues change. Next, Clovis Unified is the lowest-funded district per student within Fresno County. As a result, we must continue working efficiently to stretch every dollar we receive and persist in lobbying Sacramento for fair and adequate funding. Last, maintaining local control over issues that are better left with local governing boards. We must lobby and educate Sacramento politicians of the downfalls of potential legislation and how we educate children.

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

I do support Measure A. Clovis Unified has a long history of using bond money for providing students and the community with exceptional facilities. Our campuses are not only open to students but are open and available for use by the public. Clovis Unified has also leveraged bond money by gaining matching dollars from the state. The bottom line is, we are a growing district and need new schools to accommodate that growth. If Measure A is passed, it will not raise the current tax rate.

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

Q: How does Clovis Unified encourage student involvement?

A: Clovis Unified offers a variety of extracurricular experiences. There are academic opportunities like: robotics, chess team, debate, mock trial to name a few. There are numerous sports programs for girls and boys. We also offer a large variety of programs within the arts like drama, instrumental music, and choir. Clovis offers a wide range of Career Technical Programs such as ag, auto mechanics, construction and multimedia. Also, school sites have many different clubs which offer diverse experiences for kids. With all these different extracurricular activities, we aim to provide something of interest to every student.

Gina Vue

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

My name is Gina Vue, and I am 38 years old. I was born and raised in Fresno County, California. I am the CEO of a local autism center. I am a mother to two children who attend Clovis Unified schools. I’m passionate about the future of our community. I know the power of effective and accountable public education because education is the reason why I was able to succeed as a first-generation American. Giving back to my community is a core value of mine. Through my work, I help lift others up, and I believe every child deserves a chance to succeed.

Why are you running for trustee?

I’m running for the Clovis Unified School Board because I am committed to making sure the board makes decisions that are in the best interest of our students, teachers, and parents. My focus will be on responsibility, accountability, and keeping the excellence that Clovis Unified is known for. I believe Clovis Unified should be preparing our students for the challenges of today’s world, but we must also stick to the values that make our community strong.

As an educator, mother, and clinician, I’ve seen how a good education can change lives. I’ve also seen how thoughtful policies help students succeed, and I want to bring that knowledge and dedication to the school board. My goal is to create a more innovative, student-centered environment where every child feels safe, valued, and empowered to reach their potential.

Why should people elect you?

I moved my children to Clovis for its excellent schools, and I’m committed to maintaining that high standard. I believe my experience can benefit our students and overall school district. I have spent over 20 years working with children and families with diverse needs as a clinician and educator. I understand that every student learns in different ways, and some need unique support. As a clinician, I have developed strategies to help students stay focused and overcome challenges.

My goal is to advocate for students, teachers, and parents, making sure their needs are met so every student can succeed. I am dedicated to keeping Clovis Unified excellent while making sure we meet the needs of all students. I believe in transparency, accountability, and putting the well-being of children and their families first.

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

1. Fiscal Accountability and Transparency: In 2020, Measure A was passed to fund new schools, but the high school is still unfinished, and now the district is asking for another bond in 2024. This raises important questions about the efficiency and effectiveness of our administration. We owe it to taxpayers to make sure every dollar is accounted for, and I would push for more transparency, timely reports on all spending and projected completion date with a timeline.

2. Student Safety and Mental Health: Safety is more than just physical security. It’s also about emotional and mental well-being. I support adding more mental health support and teaching kids how to manage their emotions and interact with others. By promoting responsibility and respect, we can create a safer environment for all students while embracing our community’s values.

3. Innovative Education: Our students need to be ready for the rapidly changing world. I will make sure Clovis Unified is focused on offering the best educational practices, while keeping core skills in mind. We must aim for excellence while making sure our schools are flexible and meet the needs of all students.

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

I support Measure A because it’s needed to expand, modernize, and provide students the facilities they need and deserve. However, we must have better accountability and transparency with how the money is spent. This new bond will provide resources that fix existing problems, but we must hold the district to a higher standard and ensure every dollar is used responsibly for our students and community.

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

Q: How does your leadership style and experience make you the right choice for Clovis Unified?

A: My leadership style is grounded in personal responsibility, accountability, and always prioritizing students. With over 20 years of experience working directly with students, I’ve gained deep insight into their needs, challenges, and how they learn. This hands-on experience has enabled me to make informed decisions that directly support student success, ensuring that we use every resource efficiently and effectively.

I carefully evaluate the costs and benefits of every decision, making sure it creates the greatest positive impact for our students. My work with children and families from diverse backgrounds has helped me understand the value of collaboration and problem-solving, skills I will apply to benefit Clovis Unified. I am committed to maintaining high standards, while promoting innovation and academic excellence, all with a focus on transparency and the wise use of resources to support both students and teachers.

I am dedicated to ensuring that our district provides the tools and environment necessary for students and educators to thrive.