An examination of data shows that Fresno Unified School District has substantially lower test scores and a far larger executive team than peer district Long Beach Unified.

The district employs double the administrative staff of Long Beach Unified despite serving only 5,000 more students.

But Fresno Unified’s large administration is not reflected in student achievement, which has failed to pass the 50% mark in the past decade.

And Fresno Teacher Association President Manuel Bonilla says the district’s large administrative team doesn’t trickle down into classroom support or enhance district efficiency.

The good news is, Fresno Unified is taking a hard look at streamlining its executive cabinet — in part because of a $49 million budget deficit and also because the district is beginning to acknowledge that it must become leaner while also accelerating student achievement.

“We are currently examining the existing organizational structure to ensure there is full alignment and efficiency at all levels,” Fresno Unified spokesperson AJ Kato told GV Wire.

How is Long Beach Unified able to succeed despite its comparatively lean administrative ranks?

“Our administrative structure is designed to keep resources close to schools,” a Long Beach Unified spokesperson explained.

Perhaps Fresno Unified is taking notice of that, too. Earlier this year, Superintendent Misty Her told GV Wire that she is looking at organizational charts from other large urban school districts to see how Fresno Unified compares.

“We are going to have to do a redesign if we are going to move forward with our four goals and guardrails,” Her said.

One new guardrail surrounds effective staffing and prohibits lateral movement of staff that does not meet standards. Individuals not meeting expectations will receive an action plan of support to improve performance, Kato said.

Related Story: Has Fresno Unified Finally Planted the Flag for an Academic Revolution?

Fresno Unified Is Heavy at the Top

Fresno Unified’s organizational chart identifies 94 executive administrators while Long Beach lists 45 top administrators. Breaking it down: In Long Beach, one administrator serves an average of 1,428 students; in Fresno, the average is one administrator for every 727 students.

“We focus on developing strong leadership and support systems that prioritize the needs of our students,” the Long Beach spokesperson said.

Fresno Unified spent $55.5 million in administrative salaries during the 2018-19 school year. In 2023-24, this ballooned to $94.1 million, following national trends of increased administrative spending. Meanwhile, Long Beach paid its administrators $52.8 million in 2018-19 and its most recent total is $75.3 million.

“Ask teachers if that (administrative) growth translates into genuine support in classrooms. Most would say no,” Bonilla said.

Now, the average pay of a Fresno Unified administrative employee, including salary and benefits, is about $11,000 more than the average of a Long Beach administrative employee.

Yet, living expenses are about 38% lower in Fresno and homes tend to cost 55% less, according to Forbes.

Fresno Unified, with its huge budget challenges this year and a structural deficit in future years, says it’s looking to cut administrative costs.

“As part of this year’s budget process, more than 30 management positions have been recommended for elimination,” Kato said. “Additional proposed reductions include travel, contracts with outside vendors and consultants, and other central office reductions.  The goal is to preserve all site-funded and site-specific services and support.”

Related Story: Fresno Unified Faces Teacher Uproar Over Slashing Designated Schools

Student Outcomes Remain Low for FUSD

Fresno Unified, with the backing of its teacher’s union, has invested heavily in reducing class sizes. Meanwhile, Long Beach Unified believes that class size is only one part of a winning formula.

“We continue to invest in roles like counselors, instructional coaches, and other staff who support students directly,” said the LBUSD spokesperson. “Class size is just one part of how we shape the learning experience, aiming to create environments with the proper supports in place so that all students can thrive.”

Long Beach’s student-to-teacher ratio is 24 to 1. The ratio for Fresno, which serves a significantly higher number of socioeconomically disadvantaged students and also more English language learners, is 20 students per educator.

Vision 2035, a strategic plan including four central “themes,” guides Long Beach. The themes cover high-quality learning, having an equitable and liberatory district, partnering with the community, and cultivating change within the district culture and climate.

A “liberatory” education system helps students develop to their fullest potential and thrive in ways that matter to them.

The approach is producing results.

Over 49% of Long Beach students met English language arts standards and 36% met math standards in 2023-24 school year.

In comparison, about 34% of Fresno Unified pupils met ELA standards and 25% achieved math competency.