If Wednesday’s board meeting was any example, Fresno Unified trustees may not be spending much time in their newly remodeled board room that includes a gigantic video screen that reminds School Zone of the video screens at football stadiums.

The board took less than a half-hour Wednesday evening to cover its agenda, which admittedly was a bit slim for the calendar year’s first meeting. But Board President Valerie Davis says it’s an example of the board’s move to efficiency and focus on the district’s primary goals: improving student performance and customer service.

And it did not go unnoticed. Davis told School Zone on Friday that she was “stoked” to get a note from Sue Deigaard, one of the board’s coaches, about the meeting. FUSD trustees have been working with coaches from the Council of the Great City Schools to improve their governance skills, which include starting meetings on time and limiting unnecessary chatter.

“So she writes, ‘Dear board members. Wow, what a way to kick off 2025. This was one of the most efficient and focused board business meetings I have ever seen. I am truly impressed with the progress you have all made in just a few months,’ Davis said.”

But there are other changes at hand. In addition to moving Interim Superintendent Misty Her next to her on the dais, Davis now has the power as board president to control microphones of trustees as well as speakers at the podium. Which, she noted, would have come in handy during then-Trustee Terry Slatic’s self-proclaimed “filibustering” that forced the board to adjourn its meeting in August 2021.

Related Story: Why Was FUSD Interim Superintendent’s Seat Moved at Board Meetings?

The Education Center’s $4.8 million remodel includes other parts of the building and took a little longer than expected — the board had been meeting in a conference room at the Nutrition Center on Brawley Avenue since August — and also cost a little more. But the new board room is brighter, with white walls above darker wood paneling, new chairs and carpeting in coordinated shades of bamboo, new lighting, a new sound system, and large video screens behind the board and along the side walls. The old sloping ceiling has been removed, providing a good look at the third-floor ceiling that’s above the wood accented-panels holding lighting and speakers overhead,

Davis wants to make at least one more change, and soon: She wants to re-establish a table designated for the district’s labor partners. In the past there was such a table, and Davis wants to see it restored. Side tables are typically reserved for district staffers, administrators, and translators. And yes, there is a media table, although now it’s tucked at the back on the left side of the room, in front of the audio-visual team and equipment.

Is Central Unified Getting Student Trustees?

Having students sit at the dais alongside elected officials has been a common practice for a long time at Fresno and Clovis School Board meetings. The goal is for students to give input and, in the case of Fresno Unified, cast votes (although their votes are unofficial).

Fresno’s student trustees are typically in the job for an entire school year. By contrast, Clovis Unified’s student representatives rotate so that each comprehensive high school gets a turn sitting at the dais, spokeswoman Kelly Avants tells School Zone.

“They are members of our InterSchool Leadership Council and are selected by members of that group,” she said in an email. “We used to use a student board member model, but as the district got larger, the Board and Administration felt it was more equitable to use the representative model so they could rotate throughout the year.”

And now Central Unified students want to get in on the board meeting action. A student-sponsored petition seeking the addition of student trustees is being presented as an informational item on Tuesday’s board agenda, district spokesman Johnathon Burrows said Friday.

Student Diljot Singh Rai told the Central trustees at their Dec. 17 meeting that a petition circulated by Central students had already collected more than 600 signatures, crossing the threshold set by California education code of at least 500 signatures.

“We trust that you will act swiftly and to ensure legal compliance and to honor your commitment to student voice,” he told the trustees.

Need a Scholarship? Fresno Schools Foundation Has ‘Em

Fresno Unified seniors who want to continue their education after graduation but need financial help can apply to the Fresno Unified Scholarship Fund, which in partnership with the Foundation for Fresno Unified Students hopes to have $400,000 to hand out later this year.

Students who plan to enroll in a community college, four-year college or university, or a trade or technical program are eligible to apply for scholarships that will start at $1,000. There is no GPA requirement, and students will be evaluated based on their essays outlining their financial need, their life experiences, and their future goals.

The deadline to apply is Sunday, March 16. To apply, go to this link.

Fresno Pacific Celebrates Anabaptism Anniversary

Five hundred years ago a small group of Christians in Zurich, Switzerland began a movement that rejected infant baptisms and opted instead for adult baptism, even though they could wind up in prison or be killed for their religious beliefs. Anabaptists also rejected military service and the official connection of church and state.

Anabaptism was founded on Jan. 21, 1525, and the denominations that came from this tradition include the Mennonite Brethren, who founded and operate Fresno Pacific University, a private Christian university in southeast Fresno.

Later this month the university will celebrate the 500th anniversary of Anabaptism with two events focusing on its history and relevance.

Both events will be on Jan. 22 on the main campus at 1717 S. Chestnut Ave.

Brian Schulz, Ph.D., a professor of biblical and theological studies at Fresno Pacific, will lead a chapel at 10 a.m. in the Lyles Theater in the Warkentine Culture & Arts Center. The event is free and no ticket is required.

Valerie Rempel, director of accreditation for the Association of Theological Schools, will head up an Anabaptist Community Luncheon for local church and community members from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.in the BC Lounge. The event is free, but seating is limited and registration is required. To register, click here. The deadline to RSVP is Jan. 17.

School Zone Has Reached That Age

School Zone the column is only five years old, but School Zone’s producer has decided that after nearly 47 years in the news biz, it’s time to “semi-retire.” While you’re still be hearing from School Zone, it might not be as often and on occasion there might be a lag in responding to emails or phone calls. (School Zone has acquired a little RV and plans to do some traveling with her faithful pup Quinn by her side). We thank you for your patience!