Fresno Unified Trustee Susan Wittrup abstained Wednesday night on a resolution tied to the Southeast Development Area, saying the board should focus on improving student outcomes rather than city land-use decisions.

Wittrup said about 70% of Fresno Unified students do not read at grade level and warned the district faces a “longstanding crisis” in literacy and attendance.

She called on city leaders to commission an independent educational impact report on SEDA and said families will remain in district schools if their students receive effective instruction and support.

The resolution passed 4-0 with three abstentions. Joining Wittrup in abstaining were trustees Claudia Cazares and Elizabeth Jonasson Rosas.