Fresno Unified Trustee Valerie Davis will serve as chair of the Council of the Great City Schools board of directors for a one-year term, effective July 1.

“I thank God for giving me this opportunity to not only serve the thousands of children in my community, and now almost eight million children in urban cities in our nation,” David told GV Wire. “I’m humbled and honored.”

She will head a 164-member board, composed of the superintendent and one school board member from each of the 82 big-city school districts represented by the CGCS. Prior to this appointment, Davis acted as secretary and chair-elect.

“Davis’ extensive experience as a school board member and her steadfast commitment to public education will be a tremendous asset to the Council,” said Council Executive Director Ray Hart. “I look forward to working closely with the leadership team to advance the innovative strategies and reforms occurring in the nation’s largest urban school districts that are improving student achievement.”

Davis, who was born and raised in Fresno, attended Fresno Unified schools and graduated from Bullard High School in 1977.

She has served on the school board since December 2004, representing the Sunnyside region. This includes four terms as president, totaling six years.

“Throughout her years of service, Trustee Davis has been a steadfast advocate for students, families and public education, always working to ensure every child has the opportunity to succeed,” said Superintendent Misty Her. “We are incredibly proud to see her representing not only our district, but urban school systems across the country.”

About the Council of the Great City Schools

The Council of the Great City Schools is the only national organization exclusively representing the needs of urban public schools.

Composed of 82 large city school districts across 41 states, its mission is to promote the cause of urban schools and to advocate for inner-city students through legislation, research, and media relations. The board meets for its annual conference in October, Davis shared.

“The Council of Great City Schools has been an invaluable part of my growth as a board member,” Davis said in a video statement. “It has connected me with leaders from across the country, provided opportunities to learn from best practices. In fact, I pushed for the district to reach out to the council to implement the student-outcomes focused governance model.”

Fresno Unified Work with the Council of the Great City Schools

Fresno Unified trustees have received coaching services from the CGCS under a two-year $100,000 contract, approved in April 2024.

With the council’s guidance, the board developed Student Outcomes Focused Governance plan and adopted four goals and guardrails.

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

Recently, trustees approved a two-year renewal agreement to “continue professional services and coaching support to the district’s governing team and other district staff as needed.” The $80,000 contract — $40,000 per fiscal year — appeared on the April 22 consent agenda and was passed without discussion.

According to the staff report, the district will receive ““training and support; coaching; confidential and closed session participation and advising; professional development and other governance team supports as agreed upon.”

The Council will provide student-outcomes focused governance coaching through a three-person team consisting of a senior coach, a lead coach who handles day-to-day interactions, and a support coach.

Additionally, CGCS will provide support for budget alignment and trustee evaluation of the superintendent. The board will complete its first evaluation of Superintendent Her in autumn after trustees receive end-of-the-year test results from 2025-26 school year.